**EU Opens Door for Non-Member Countries to Join New Satellite Program**
In a significant move, the European Union has invited non-member countries in Europe, including Ukraine, to join its new IRIS-2 secure satellite communication program. The announcement was made by European Defense and Space Commissioner Andrius Kubilius in an interview with Euractiv.
The new program is designed to provide secure and reliable communication services to member states and other participating countries. With a price tag of 10.6 billion euros, the IRIS-2 initiative aims to create a network of approximately 280 satellites that will be operational within the next decade.
**An Alternative to Starlink**
The launch of the IRIS-2 program comes at a time when Ukraine is seeking alternative communication services after facing issues with Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite service. In 2022, Musk ordered the deactivation of Starlink coverage over part of Ukraine’s Kherson Oblast during a major counteroffensive.
Kubilius noted that both Ukraine and the UK would be good fits for the program, citing their potential as former space hubs in the Soviet Union and strong aerospace track records respectively. Iceland has already concluded negotiations to join the program, while Norway is currently in talks with the EU.
**Denmark Takes the Lead**
Meanwhile, Denmark has taken a proactive approach by providing Ukraine’s military with European-made satellite communication services. The Danish Defense Ministry announced on July 14 that it would be donating receiver terminals to Ukraine, providing access to satellite-based communications amidst Russia’s war.
This move is seen as a significant contribution to strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities and highlights the potential of space-based solutions in supporting both Ukrainian and European defense efforts.
**Implications and Analysis**
The invitation for non-member countries to join the IRIS-2 program marks an important step forward in the EU’s strategy to provide secure communication services to its member states and partners. With the challenges posed by Starlink’s unpredictable behavior, the new program offers a reliable alternative that could help mitigate these risks.
As Ukraine continues to navigate the complexities of Russia’s war, access to secure and reliable communication services is crucial for their military operations. By joining the IRIS-2 program, Ukraine would gain a robust and dependable communication network, essential for effective defense planning and execution.
The implications of this development extend beyond Ukraine, as it highlights the EU’s commitment to providing security and stability in the region. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on satellite-based communications, the IRIS-2 program offers a vital alternative that could shape the future of European defense capabilities.
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