Poland bets on space to strengthen defenses against Russia
Communications satellite in Earth orbit (Photo: Getty Images)
Poland is investing €656 million to create the European secure communications satellite system IRIS2. The country is becoming one of the most influential participants in this strategic EU project, reports PAP.
Such a contribution covers 10 percent of the total cost of the EU program, allowing Poland to enter the narrow circle of states that play a leading role in developing space technologies.
Poland will work on an equal footing with France, Germany, and Italy. Spain and Luxembourg are also on the list of key partners. The corresponding agreement was signed in the Polish capital.
What is special about the IRIS2 system
This project is a direct response to current threats from Russia and the unstable political situation in the United States, including Starlink. The system will guarantee protection against Russian hybrid attacks and risks associated with natural disasters.
The network will be based on quantum encryption technology. It provides an extremely high level of data protection, and breaking such satellite communications using traditional methods is almost impossible.
Project deployment schedule:
- 2029 – launch of the first elements of the system;
- 2031–2032 – full formation of the satellite constellation in orbit.
Poland will build its own ground control center for the system. It will be integrated with the state GovNet network. Thanks to this, Poland will become a regional hub for secure communications, serving the needs of Baltic Sea and Northern European countries.
The country's space industry will also receive a powerful boost for development. Nearly 400 Polish enterprises will be able to join the execution of orders within IRIS2.
Context of the news
The EU is building its own satellite communications system to achieve independence from the US. The IRIS2 network will have 290 satellites in various orbits and will serve both private clients and governments. Ukraine has also submitted an application to participate in the program.
Meanwhile, Russia is developing anti-satellite weapons against the Starlink system, which plays a crucial role in providing communications for Ukraine in the war.
