EU considers military intelligence satellites to reduce reliance on US

The European Union is exploring the development of a military intelligence satellite network in response to concerns over its reliance on U.S. defense capabilities, according to the Financial Times (FT). This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump temporarily halted intelligence sharing with Ukraine.

Andrius Kubilius, the EU’s defense and space commissioner, said the European Commission is considering an expansion of its satellite capacity to improve geospatial intelligence for security purposes.

New satellite network to enhance military capabilities

The proposed low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite system would provide real-time intelligence on military movements and security threats.

It would complement existing Copernicus satellites, which currently generate images approximately every 24 hours, by offering more frequent updates—potentially as often as every 30 minutes.

“Given the changes in the geopolitical situation, the European Commission is considering expanding its satellite capacities to improve geospatial intelligence support for security,” Kubilius told the FT.

Kubilius acknowledged that such a project would be costly and time-consuming, prompting discussions about temporary commercial alternatives until an independent EU network is operational.

Expanding European defense capabilities

The European Commission is already procuring IRIS², a multi-orbit broadband network that will be integrated into the Govsatcom program, which links satellite systems of EU member states.

The new military intelligence network would be part of a broader effort to enhance European defense capabilities, reducing reliance on U.S. military assets in key areas such as:

• Airlift capacity
• Air-to-air refueling
• Early warning and missile defense systems

Kubilius emphasized that Europe currently lacks an integrated missile defense system, which could cost an estimated €500 billion ($545 billion) to develop.

“We are naked,” he said. “Are we going to develop that air defense each country alone or collectively? I feel it’s better to have a joint system to co-ordinate to cover the whole territory. But that is not for us to decide.”

Defense financing and procurement strategy

The European Commission has allocated €150 billion ($163.8 billion) in loans to member states for defense-related initiatives.

Additionally, EU countries could exclude certain defense expenditures from fiscal rules, allowing up to €650 billion in extra spending.

A new procurement plan would allow member states to pool demand for weapons to secure better pricing and ensure supplies are sourced primarily from European manufacturers.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has indicated that these funds should be used for European-produced defense equipment. Kubilius stated that Norway would be included in the initiative, adding that he “hopes” the U.K. will participate as well.

The inclusion of Türkiye remains uncertain, but Kubilius noted that Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk recently met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, signaling ongoing discussions.

Under the new defense plan, EU nations could also purchase weapons from Ukraine, which Kubilius said would be half the cost of Western alternatives while simultaneously supporting Ukraine’s economy.