OHB Wins Nearly €1 Billion Contract to Build Satellites for EU’s Iris² Network

OHB has secured a nearly €1 billion contract to build 18 satellites for the European Union’s Iris² communications network, giving the Bremen-based company a major role in Europe’s planned space infrastructure.

The first satellites are expected to launch in 2029. Iris² is designed to provide fast and secure communications for government authorities, the military, businesses and private users.

The complete system will consist of 348 satellites operating in low and medium Earth orbits. OHB will supply 18 satellites for the medium-orbit segment, according to the company.

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Iris² is a significant further step for Europe toward independence.

The project is intended to serve as Europe’s response to the American Starlink satellite network. The EU describes Iris² as its third major space program, following the Galileo navigation system and the Copernicus Earth observation program.

OHB chief executive Marco Fuchs called the contract another step toward European independence in space communications. In an increasingly digitalized world, he said, Europe needs its own communications infrastructure.

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In a digitalized world, an independent communications infrastructure is indispensable.