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Iceland and Norway Join EU Satellite Security Programmes

EU boosts space cooperation with Norway and Iceland with Secure Connectivity Agreement

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Iceland and Norway signed agreements in Brussels to join the EU's GOVSATCOM and IRIS2 satellite programmes, becoming the first non-EU countries to participate in the secure communications initiative.

Iceland and Norway signed agreements in Brussels to join the EU's GOVSATCOM and IRIS2 satellite programmes, becoming the first non-EU countries to participate in the secure communications initiative.

IRIS2 is a planned multi-orbital constellation of 290 satellites designed to provide secure connectivity for governments, emergency services and critical infrastructure, with full operations targeted for 2030.

IRIS2 is a planned multi-orbital constellation of 290 satellites designed to provide secure connectivity for governments, emergency services and critical infrastructure, with full operations targeted for 2030.

Iceland's membership in the programmes is estimated to cost around 127 million ISK in 2026. Norway and Iceland are expected to contribute roughly €40 million and €3 million respectively for 2026–2027.

Iceland's membership in the programmes is estimated to cost around 127 million ISK in 2026. Norway and Iceland are expected to contribute roughly €40 million and €3 million respectively for 2026–2027.

Iceland's Ambassador to the EU, Stefán Haukur Jóhannesson, said participation would strengthen "the security and resilience" of the country's communications, noting the island relies on three submarine cables for connectivity.

Iceland's Ambassador to the EU, Stefán Haukur Jóhannesson, said participation would strengthen "the security and resilience" of the country's communications, noting the island relies on three submarine cables for connectivity.

Norway's Minister of Trade and Industry, Cecilie Myrseth, said the agreement marks "a significant step towards bringing Norway closer to EU's work on security, resilience and technological independence in space."

Norway's Minister of Trade and Industry, Cecilie Myrseth, said the agreement marks "a significant step towards bringing Norway closer to EU's work on security, resilience and technological independence in space."

IRIS2 is part of a broader EU space strategy that includes Galileo and Copernicus. The EU has pledged €131 billion for defence and space in its 2028–2034 budget framework, though Germany has separately announced a €10 billion national constellation.

IRIS2 is part of a broader EU space strategy that includes Galileo and Copernicus. The EU has pledged €131 billion for defence and space in its 2028–2034 budget framework, though Germany has separately announced a €10 billion national constellation.

Norway & Iceland Join EU Satellite Security Programs

IcelandNorway and& NorwayIceland joinJoin EU's StarlinkSatellite competitor,Security IRIS2Programs

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Norway & Iceland Join EU Satellite Security Programs

IcelandNorway and& NorwayIceland joinJoin EU's StarlinkSatellite competitor,Security IRIS2Programs

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