Mais aussi
Weekly Focus | Business – France Backs IRIS² as Europe Strengthens Its Space Ambitions
France and the European Union have reinforced their support for IRIS², Europe’s future secure satellite constellation, as Airbus and Thales Alenia Space begin work on its first satellites.
Announced during the International Space Summit in Paris, IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite) plans to deploy at least 348 satellites, providing secure connectivity for governments and security services while also supporting commercial services for European businesses.
The project is also becoming a major industrial opportunity for Europe. Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space are responsible for the first layer of the low-Earth-orbit segment, comprising at least 66 satellites scheduled for delivery in 2029. Airbus will produce the satellite platforms and integrate them with payloads supplied by Thales Alenia Space, with production taking place in Toulouse.
By combining public investment with European industrial expertise, IRIS² highlights the strategic role of French companies in Europe’s growing space ecosystem. The programme is expected to support opportunities across satellite manufacturing, telecommunications, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure, while strengthening Europe’s technological sovereignty and competitiveness.
Source: Le Monde, September 11, 2026, Airbus Defence and Space, September 10, 2026.
