Strasbourg- An Ariane-5 rocket with Europe's next four satellites for the navigation system Galileo blasted off for space from Kourou, French Guiana, early Wednesday.

Europe launched four more Galileo satellites on Wednesday, taking the number in orbit to 26 and moving a step closer to having its own navigation system, just as the programme has become the latest flashpoint in Brexit negotiations.

The payload brings the number of Galileo satellites in space to 26 of a planned 30. The Galileo satellite programme is intended for use by industry and the military, as well as emergency response units.

Galileo's initial services have been available for one and a half years, and according to the Galileo operator, mobile phone manufacturers are now equipping models with Galileo receivers and alongside GPS.

An estimated 100 million devices currently use the system, according to the European Space Agency.