In brief
The Financial Times links Europe's satellite ambitions to Starlink restrictions in Ukraine, warning that investment alone may not close the technology gap.
Europe's planned IRIS² satellite communications system would comprise 348 satellites in low and medium Earth orbits, with initial launches expected in 2029, UNIAN reported, citing the Financial Times. Satellite operators SES, Eutelsat and Hispasat are involved in the project.
The report puts the constellation's launch budget at €15.6 billion. Vodafone, Telefónica, Orange and Deutsche Telekom have expressed interest in joining to provide mobile satellite coverage; the report does not describe their participation as agreed.
The Financial Times sets the plans against restrictions on Starlink services in Ukraine. It argues that Europe needs greater freedom and incentives for companies as well as investment, and identifies launch capabilities as a potential obstacle. The satellite count and launch date remain planned targets.