Europe Could Make a ‘Quantum Leap’ in Space, Airbus Defence Chief…

Sarah J · 2026-02-02T15:30:49.000Z

Europe stands at a critical juncture in its space strategy, with the potential for a major technological leap in space capabilities if it moves quickly from planning to execution and streamlines its approach, according to Michael Schöllhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space. Europe risks falling behind global competitors unless decision-makers focus on practical, deliverable programmes rather than protracted “grand schemes on paper.” Schöllhorn underscored that space is increasingly central to defence, communications and intelligence capabilities, noting a growing “gap” in active space defence the ability to protect, operate and counter threats in orbit. He said that European companies have strong technical expertise but are smaller and less resourced compared with U.S. counterparts, a disadvantage that has sharpened as space becomes more strategically contested. Europe’s current space initiatives include the Space Shield proposal under the EU’s Defence Readiness Roadmap, designed to enhance the bloc’s defensive space capabilities before 2030, and IRIS² a planned constellation of around 290 satellites for secure communication, surveillance and crisis management. However, Schöllhorn warned that projects like IRIS², while ambitious, have suffered from slow progress and bureaucratic hurdles that can delay practical deployment. The European Commission has also launched broader initiatives to foster sovereign space capabilities. For example, at the European Space Conference in 2026, funding was announced to support disruptive innovations aimed at improving European launch solutions and space access including a new grant to accelerate next-generation technologies that contribute to strategic autonomy. Despite these efforts, Schöllhorn stressed that Europe must simplify regulatory frameworks, focus investment on feasible programmes and reduce administrative barriers that slow down industry action. Only by giving companies clear, actionable mandates can European industry begin to build capabilities at scale and compete with global leaders in space technology. Strategic space capabilities from satellite communications and secure infrastructure to space-borne intelligence are seen as increasingly critical in a geopolitical environment where access to space functions as both economic infrastructure and defence enablement. Europe’s approach must combine industrial capacity with policy agility to strengthen its role in space innovation and security.

Member Login Get Access

Europe Could Make a ‘Quantum Leap’ in Space, Airbus Defence Chief… | SEINET