The agreement was signed on 7 August after negotiations that began in January 2026. It confirms the schedule for satellite development and deployment, launch procurement, construction of the secure ground segment and delivery of connectivity services.
The expanded constellation will comprise 330 satellites in higher Low Earth Orbit and 18 satellites in Medium Earth Orbit. Optional elements could also be deployed to support specific missions if required.
The Commission said the revised schedule would enable sovereign, secure and accredited European connectivity services to begin soon after the initial launches. The programme is also being reshaped to provide substantially more capacity for government and defence users.
Within the revised architecture, 66 advanced satellites in higher LEO will provide additional capabilities for defence, security and emergency services. The design of satellites across the baseline constellation will also be enhanced to provide additional functionality and stronger security.
The Commission expects the changes to increase secure governmental communications capacity by 60% within the European Union. Secure governmental capacity available worldwide is expected to increase by 54%.
Defence and security requirements are the primary drivers behind the revised architecture, according to the Commission. The additional capacity is intended to support European operations during crises and maintain communications where terrestrial networks are limited or disrupted.
IRIS² is also intended to support governments and emergency services during humanitarian and security emergencies. The Commission said secure satellite communications could help coordinate responses to crises linked to broader pressures including climate change, environmental degradation and displacement.
The implementation agreement marks the transition of IRIS² from planning to deployment, with satellite manufacturing, launches and ground infrastructure now covered by an agreed timetable. The expanded constellation is intended to give European government and defence users greater access to secure satellite connectivity across Europe and worldwide.
Source: European Commission (press release).
