European satellite options do not yet offer a full replacement for Starlink in drone warfare, military space specialist Patrick Bolder and satellite communications specialist Christian Freiherr von der Ropp told NRC.
Bolder said GovSatCom's geostationary satellites introduce delay and require antennas too heavy for drones. Von der Ropp said OneWeb's smallest terminals are heavier and less energy-efficient than Starlink's, reducing the payload or range available to a drone.
The European Commission plans 348 IRIS² satellites, with launches beginning in 2029 and service in 2030. Spokesperson Thomas Regnier said access for Ukraine would depend on a member-state mandate. Von der Ropp questioned whether the planned scale would provide sufficient military capacity.
NRC also reported concerns about available European launch capacity and the cost of fragmented production. Bolder said linking national networks later would be difficult unless their engineering teams coordinate before launch.
Background
IRIS²
Satellite communications programme
IRIS² is the European Commission’s planned satellite network, intended to begin service in 2030.
Description from NRC
Patrick Bolder
Military space specialist
Patrick Bolder is a military space specialist at The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies.
Description from NRC
