Europe News

SpaceWatch Global • Torsten Kriening

EU proposes 2 GHz MSS spectrum split for sovereign satellite connectivity; next steps include post-summer consortium call

European Commission Henna Virkkunen outlined plans to divide the 2 GHz spectrum used for mobile satellite services (MSS), with the aim of supporting sovereign European satellite connectivity. The Commission plans a follow-up consortium call after summer to progress coordination and planning.

1 Source

2026-07-01T00:51:26.621192-07:00

Reuters

IATA flags April 2026 demand softness for Middle East carriers as MESA air cargo capacity recovers amid Iran-related easing

6 Sources

2026-06-30T20:24:47.585016-07:00

Reuters

Saab signs $2.54B deal to supply Ukraine with 16 Gripen E fighters, with C/D deliveries starting in 2027

9 Sources

2026-06-30T13:16:57.416868-07:00

ch-aviation

EU member states extend suspension of tariffs on US aircraft and spare parts

1 Source

2026-06-30T09:29:21.329373-07:00

Europe News Timeline

SpaceWatch Global

2 sources

Col. Sylvain Debarre outlines NATO Space Centre of Excellence’s strategic evolution in Toulouse A SpaceWatchGL opinion piece by Col. Sylvain Debarre argues that the NATO Space Centre of Excellence is repositioning to meet evolving transatlantic space-security needs. The article frames Toulouse—an established aerospace hub—as the “new high ground” for coordinating future space-related defense concepts and capabilities across NATO.

2026-07-01T01:17:53.804067-07:00

Col. Sylvain Debarre outlines NATO Space Centre of Excellence’s strategic evolution in Toulouse

SpaceWatch Global

1 source

EU proposes 2 GHz MSS spectrum split for sovereign satellite connectivity; next steps include post-summer consortium call European Commission Henna Virkkunen outlined plans to divide the 2 GHz spectrum used for mobile satellite services (MSS), with the aim of supporting sovereign European satellite connectivity. The Commission plans a follow-up consortium call after summer to progress coordination and planning.

2026-07-01T00:51:26.621192-07:00

EU proposes 2 GHz MSS spectrum split for sovereign satellite connectivity; next steps include post-summer consortium call

Reuters

6 sources

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IATA flags April 2026 demand softness for Middle East carriers as MESA air cargo capacity recovers amid Iran-related easing IATA says a fall in demand for Middle East carriers in April 2026 “dragged overall demand down,” even as the MESA cargo picture continues to improve. Weekly data show Middle East air cargo capacity recovering after the US-Iran ceasefire/peace memorandum, with global air cargo demand up 6% year-on-year and capacity up 2%. Meanwhile, Asian carriers’ Europe “windfall” from Iran-conflict disruptions is eroding as Gulf rivals restore flights and lower prices.

2026-06-30T20:24:47.585016-07:00

IATA flags April 2026 demand softness for Middle East carriers as MESA air cargo capacity recovers amid Iran-related easing

Reuters

9 sources

Saab signs $2.54B deal to supply Ukraine with 16 Gripen E fighters, with C/D deliveries starting in 2027 Sweden’s Saab and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) have signed a contract to deliver 16 Gripen E fighter aircraft to Ukraine in a deal worth about 24.6 billion Swedish crowns ($2.54 billion). The agreement marks the formal start of Ukraine’s Gripen programme, supported by Britain, with first Gripen C/D arrivals expected in early 2027 and Gripen E deliveries starting in early 2029 (reportedly).

2026-06-30T13:16:57.416868-07:00

Saab signs $2.54B deal to supply Ukraine with 16 Gripen E fighters, with C/D deliveries starting in 2027

ch-aviation

1 source

EU member states extend suspension of tariffs on US aircraft and spare parts EU member states have agreed to extend a waiver suspending tariffs on US-made goods, including aircraft and spare parts. The decision is intended to give Brussels and Washington additional time to negotiate and finalize a permanent trade deal.

2026-06-30T09:29:21.329373-07:00

EU member states extend suspension of tariffs on US aircraft and spare parts

AeroTime

2 sources

UK 2026 Defence Investment Plan backs RAF nuclear mission with $4bn US airbase upgrades and funding for 12 F-35As UK documents tied to a US plan to spend $4bn (¥4bn) on upgrading military and intelligence bases in the UK also put American nuclear weapons storage in the spotlight. Separately, the UK’s 2026 Defence Investment Plan confirms funding for 12 F-35A fighters and reiterates the intent to join NATO’s nuclear mission.

2026-06-30T07:45:00.814222-07:00

UK 2026 Defence Investment Plan backs RAF nuclear mission with $4bn US airbase upgrades and funding for 12 F-35As

AeroTime

1 source

Finland and Estonia sign LOI with NestAI to co-develop AI for unmanned systems and command-and-control Finland’s defense ministry and Estonia’s military have signed a June 30 letter of intent with NestAI to co-develop artificial intelligence for unmanned systems and command-and-control applications. The agreement signals a joint effort to bring AI capabilities into cross-border UAS operations and decision support.

2026-06-30T05:57:58.284559-07:00

Finland and Estonia sign LOI with NestAI to co-develop AI for unmanned systems and command-and-control

Space Intel Report

3 sources

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SSC Space and Firefly Aerospace say first Firefly Alpha launch from Sweden’s Esrange is set for 2028 Sweden’s SSC Space and US launch-services provider Firefly Aerospace say they’ve completed enough regulatory and technical preparations to announce a first launch of Firefly’s Alpha vehicle from Esrange in 2028, marking a trans-Atlantic milestone for Sweden’s space launch ambitions.

2026-06-30T05:16:33.925136-07:00

SSC Space and Firefly Aerospace say first Firefly Alpha launch from Sweden’s Esrange is set for 2028