EU unveils a security-focused Arctic strategy as a 'European Starlink' is set to be rolled out across the region

From the Newshound archive · first published 21 October 2026.

Brussels is putting security at the heart of its plans for the far north and wants a homegrown satellite network to rival Elon Musk's Starlink. Europe's satellite makers have been hammered by the cheap, tiny low-orbit satellites of Musk's SpaceX. The continent is already pursuing IRIS², its planned secure satellite network. Thales chiefs warned the industry still faces serious challenges ahead.

Airbus, Thales and Leonardo agreed last year to merge their satellite businesses.