Norway to Join Europe Starlink Rival Shortly, Minister Says

Norway aims to join the European Union’s secure satellite communications network in the coming weeks as the Nordic nation tightens space cooperation with the continent, Trade Minister Cecilie Myrseth said.

The trade bloc last month switched on parts of its IRIS2 network, an alternative to Elon Musk’s Starlink that’s acquired more significance as a test of Europe’s strategic autonomy efforts amid growing rifts with the US. About 290 satellites of IRIS2, which was initially planned to start in 2030, still have to be launched.