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With the Readiness 2030 plan and the EU Space Program, Brussels focuses on innovation, security and competitiveness to consolidate its role in the orbital domain
Space is no longer just the frontier of scientific exploration: it has become a crucial strategic front for European defence. With the Readiness 2030 plan and the European Union Space Program, Brussels has initiated a systemic transformation that combines technological innovation, security and industrial sovereignty, in an attempt to strengthen its autonomy in an increasingly unstable geopolitical context. Regulation (EU) 2021/696, which governs the 2021-2027 Space Program, represents the regulatory basis of this ambitious strategy. With a budget of €13.5 billion, the programme integrates key platforms such as Galileo, Copernicus and GOVSATCOM, in synergy with the European Defence Fund (EDF) and the Readiness 2030 plan, which envisages investments of up to €800 billion in the coming years.
Key technologies for security and defence
At the heart of this technological architecture is Galileo, the European global satellite navigation system, essential for both civil and military operations thanks to its high precision. Copernicus, on the other hand, offers an advanced Earth observation capacity for environmental monitoring and crisis management. Also fundamental is GOVSATCOM, which, through the IRIS² project (planned between 2025 and 2027), aims to build a multi-orbital constellation for secure communications, guaranteeing independence and security to European government infrastructures. These programmes are complemented by national systems and industrial partnerships. The SICRAL system, for example, intended to ensure secure military communications, will see the completion of the SICRAL-3 module by 2026. Companies such as Airbus and MBDA are already involved in the development of advanced air defence platforms and satellite communications, while in Italy Leonardo and Telespazio stand out with dual-use projects of high strategic value.
Emerging and dual-use technologies
The technological landscape is rapidly evolving with the introduction of quantum computing and additive manufacturing. The former, with expected European funding of over 1 billion euros, promises a revolution in cryptography and management of satellite networks. The latter allows the production of lightweight and highly resistant components, reducing times and costs. Dual-use technologies – that is, applicable in both the civil and military fields – are at the heart of the European strategy. Copernicus data are used for border surveillance, while GOVSATCOM can serve humanitarian missions or military operations. The CASSINI fund, with 1 billion euros of endowment, has already mobilized 175 million to attract private capital and support startups in the space sector.
Operational advantages and critical issues
The integration of these systems allows significant operational advantages. Galileo supports the navigation of NATO forces, Copernicus offers essential data for military planning and the COSMO-SkyMed system, in use by the Italian Navy, ensures constant monitoring of the Mediterranean. However, critical issues remain: space infrastructures are exposed to cyber risks and collisions with orbital debris. The EU has launched the Space Situational Awareness (SSA) program, but the investment gap remains compared to the United States, which in 2023 spent 60 billion on space research against the European 23.4 billion.
Cybersecurity and regulation
Cybersecurity is a growing priority. NATO exercises have shown the vulnerability of satellites to cyber-attacks. In response, Regulation (EU) 2021/696 promotes resilience through advanced cryptography and secure networks. Italy, in particular, is called upon to develop specialist skills to defend strategic assets such as COSMO-SkyMed and SICRAL. The regulatory framework is also expanding. The new AI Act 2024 regulates the use of artificial intelligence in space systems, while the White Paper on European Defence opens the way to the creation of a single defence market. Regulations such as (EU) 2023/2411 on the security of industrial supply chains aim to reduce dependence on non-European components, while Regulation (EU) 2021/821 imposes strict controls on the export of sensitive technologies.
The scenario for 2030
Looking to the future, the EU’s objective is clear: autonomous access to space, independent satellite networks and technological leadership. Projects such as IRIS², the strengthening of European launchers and alliances with NATO and the United Nations point to a clear trajectory. Europe intends not only to protect its orbital interests, but also to become a credible global player in a domain destined to become the heart of strategic competitions in the 21st century.
Alessandro Fiorentino