March 17, 2025 by Joseph Fitsanakis
European Space Agency " data-image-caption data-medium-file="https://intelnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/first-post-h.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://intelnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/first-post-h.jpg?w=629" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-23051" src="https://intelnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/first-post-h.jpg" alt="European Space Agency" width="629" height="291">THE EUROPEAN UNION IS considering building its own military satellite network in an effort to reduce or eliminate its reliance on American satellite capabilities, according to reports. The London-based Financial Times newspaper [said](https://www.ft.com/content/9683206a-1abb-4fae-9de8-0e3104a2cc21 "STAFF "EU explores new military intelligence satellites to cut reliance on US" The Financial Times [15mar2025]") on Saturday that the exploratory project is being led by Andrius Kubilius, a veteran Lithuanian politician who is serving as the European Commissioner for Defense Industry and Space.
Speaking to The Financial Times, Kubilius confirmed that the European Union is considering the construction of a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite system. Such a system would complement the European Union’s existing Copernicus Earth observation program, which is managed by the European Commission in partnership with the individual European Union member states. The costs and benefits of Copernicus are shared by member states and by several agencies, including the European Space Agency, the European Environment Agency, and the European Maritime Safety Agency.
Unlike Copernicus, a new LEO satellite system would primarily satisfy military priorities and would generate imagery updates every 30 minutes, thus providing near-real-time intelligence on targets. In contrast, Copernicus satellites are able to generate new imagery every 24 hours. Moreover, a new LEO satellite system would integrate into IRIS², an internet network of multi-orbit satellites intended to provide on-demand location-tracking, security surveillance and secure communications links to European Union member states. IRIS² is scheduled to become operational in 2027.
In his comments to The Financial Times, Kubilius acknowledged that the idea for a new European Union LEO satellite system was sparked by “changes in the geopolitical situation” relating to the United States. Subsequently, the European Union is exploring ways to “reduce its reliance on United States military assets”, he said. The commissioner admitted that such a project would be costly—perhaps in excess of $540 billion—as well as time-consuming. But there was much desire to proceed, he said.
In the meantime, the European Union is considering “commercial alternatives” until an independent European Union-run satellite network becomes fully operational, according to the The Financial Times.
► Author: Joseph Fitsanakis | Date: 17 March 2025 | Permalink