IRIS² (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite), the EU’s promise of satellite autonomy, is set to launch by 2030, assuming no delays. Meanwhile, Starlink and Starshield, already operational, are proving the concept of a functional satellite network today.
But Italy, the land of pragmatic pasta and now pragmatic space policy, seems to have asked a simple question: Why wait?
Rather than sitting patiently for Brussels to get its bureaucratic act together, Italy has embraced the Starlink network for immediate defense and communication needs.
Why? Because it’s operational, effective, and… here. Italy clearly values functionality over future promises, even if it means dancing with a billionaire known for sudden policy pivots.
Of course, relying solely on Musk’s goodwill has its risks, like when he personally decided to restrict Starlink access during Ukraine’s defense operations. This lack of guaranteed service security makes governments jittery, but Italy seems to have calculated that some coverage now is better than theoretical coverage in 2030.
The EU’s IRIS² project is pitched as the holy grail of sovereign satellite infrastructure, designed to reduce dependency on non-European systems like Starlink. But with rising global tensions, waiting half a decade for a communications backbone isn’t just inefficient—it’s dangerous.
“Constellation-as-a-Service” could be a far more immediate solution where private operators offer a dedicated part of their satellite fleet without requiring governments to own the satellites. Similar to a server in a datacenter.
Rivada Space Networks is leading the charge here with its OuterNET constellation, a secure, enterprise-grade satellite network aiming for global coverage by 2028, still two years ahead of IRIS².
And let’s not forget Eutelsat OneWeb, which has already started merging sovereign European control with modern satellite broadband. PM: don’t forget Groundstations and Leap Years.
Meanwhile, Amazon Project Kuiper is gearing up to launch a 3,200-satellite LEO network faster than you can say “delayed European tender process.”
Critics will argue that Italy’s choice compromises sovereignty. But let’s be honest: waiting five more years with nothing but theoretical coverage is a far greater liability, and that’s even assuming it will be ready by then.
Starlink may not be perfect for tactical defense, but it sure beats hoping IRIS² materializes while global tensions keep rising.
What Italy has realized is that a hybrid approach works best. Immediate coverage through Starlink can coexist with long-term plans like IRIS² or Rivada’s OuterNET.
In the current geopolitical mess, nations like Italy are proving that security today is more critical than sovereignty tomorrow.
Maybe it’s time for the EU to embrace a bit of that Italian pragmatism instead of clinging to a delayed satellite fantasy.
