European IRIS communication system will not replace Starlink in Ukraine before 2029

Prospects for European satellite communication for Kyiv

The European Union is developing a strategy to connect Ukraine to the secure satellite network GovSatCom. Meanwhile, as noted by a representative of the European Commission, a full replacement of existing solutions, such as Starlink, using European technologies will not occur before 2029.

Official position of the EC representative

Details regarding the implementation timelines for the new services were provided by European Commission representative Thomas Renier. He confirmed that basic communication functions and the ability to transmit military data via the European satellite system IRIS will become available to Ukraine no earlier than 2029.

«Однак базові послуги зв’язку та надання військових даних стануть доступними з використанням європейської супутникової системи IRIS до 2029 року» (However, basic communication services and the provision of military data will become available using the European satellite system IRIS by 2029), Renier emphasised.

Long-term planning

The overall cycle of implementation and infrastructure development envisages the system reaching operational readiness by 2033. To realise these plans, the EU is preparing to involve up to 300 satellites in the network's operation.