---
title: The EU Is Adding 66 Defence Satellites to IRIS² and Moving First Launches to 2029
description: The European Commission and SpaceRISE have signed an implementation agreement expanding IRIS² to 348 satellites and bringing first launches forward to 2029.
author: Darie Nani (Editor-in-Chief)
date: 2026-08-11T16:30:00.000Z
updated: 2026-08-11T16:32:25.998Z
canonical: https://www.sovereignmagazine.com/article/eu-iris2-66-defence-satellites-2029-launches
image: https://cdn.nanimediahouse.com/pexels-eu-flags-waving-in-front-of-the-european-commission-building-13153479.png
categories: Science & Tech
content_type: News
region: Europe
publication: Sovereign Magazine
access: members
schema_type: Article
---

The European Union has agreed to make its own secure satellite network bigger and to start flying it a year earlier. The implementation agreement that the European Commission and the SpaceRISE consortium [signed on 7 August](https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/european-union-accelerating-and-reinforcing-iris2-2026-08-07_en) expands IRIS² to 348 satellites, adds a dedicated set of 66 satellites for defence, security and emergency services, and moves the first launches to 2029.

IRIS² stands for Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite. Its first users are authorised government bodies across EU member states, plus Norway and Iceland, which need communications that keep working when a crisis is under way. The European Space Agency, which oversees the constellation's development, qualification and in-orbit validation alongside the Commission and SpaceRISE, says the network is also meant to keep emergency services and citizens connected in remote areas and during crises.

## A Dedicated Layer of 66 Satellites Goes to Defence and Emergency Users

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