Brussels - The European Commission launched Tuesday the procurement process for the construction of a further 26 satellites needed for Europe's first satellite navigation system, Galileo.

The indicative value of the contracts was given at 2.1 billion euros (3.3 billion dollars), with bidding companies due to be short-listed by early autumn, officials in Brussels said.

Non-European companies have not been excluded from the bidding process, they noted.

The European Union executive is aiming to deploy a constellation of 30 satellites by 2013 designed to rival the United States' Global Positioning System (GPS).

"With Galileo, the European Union will buy a state-of-the-art satellite navigation system which will increase economic efficiency and reduce congestion and energy consumption throughout the transport sector," said EU Transport Commissioner Antonio Tajani.

"That means boosting growth and jobs and helping to tackle climate change, while also making daily life safer and easier," Tajani added.

The second of four satellites already commissioned by the EU was launched into space in April.

The commission has allocated a total budget of 3.4 billion euros for Galileo, which it claims will be more accurate than the US-operated GPS. (dpa)