The European Union is strongly exploring measures to diminish or entirely eliminate its dependency on American satellites through the development of its own military satellite network, designated as LEO. This initiative was announced by Andrius Kubilius, a Lithuanian politician and the EU Commissioner for Defence and Space, who leads the project.
The proposed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite system is intended to augment the existing Copernicus Earth observation program, which is overseen by the European Commission in collaboration with EU member states. In contrast to Copernicus, the LEO system will focus predominantly on military applications, offering updated imagery at 30-minute intervals and delivering near-real-time intelligence on adversarial targets. Furthermore, the new satellite network will be integrated into the IRIS² multi-orbit satellite internet network, which is designed to provide location tracking, security surveillance, and secure, on-demand communication capabilities for EU member states. The IRIS² network is slated for launch in 2027.
Kubilius has acknowledged that the idea behind the EU’s initiative to establish the LEO satellite system stems from evolving geopolitical dynamics, particularly in relation to the United States following the election of Donald Trump. He stated that the EU is currently exploring ways to reduce its reliance on US military assets. The project is expected to incur significant costs, with estimates exceeding $540 billion, and its implementation will span a considerable timeframe. Nevertheless, the initiative’s advocates argue that having an independent military satellite network is essential for ensuring the strategic autonomy of the European Union and safeguarding its interests amidst a shifting global order. They contend that the LEO system will enable the EU to independently gather intelligence and make decisions without relying on data supplied by external nations.