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ICEYE and SSC Strengthen Nordic and NATO Aerospace Cooperation

In a significant move for Nordic and NATO's space capabilities, ICEYE, a leader in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite operations, has partnered with the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC). This collaboration was formalized through a newly signed Letter of Intent (LOI) at the recent NATO Arctic Space Forum in Helsinki. The LOI sets the stage for a joint venture aimed at enhancing satellite operations, mission development, and overall launch capabilities.

A New Era of Strategic Cooperation

The partnership signifies a pivotal moment in the growing strategic relationship between Sweden and Finland, reflecting an increasing need for collaboration in both space and defense sectors. The LOI is a testament to the shared commitment to bolster sovereign capabilities that are critical for national security in the Nordic region and NATO member nations.

Pekka Laurila, CSO and Co-founder of ICEYE, emphasized the potential benefits of this partnership, stating, "Through this LOI, we're evaluating how to combine ICEYE's SAR offering with SSC's extensive global ground network and future access to orbit." He noted that the intent is to find effective ways to enhance Nordic defense and resilience while reassuring NATO partners of reliable ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) services.

Charlotta Sund, President and CEO at SSC, echoed these sentiments. She highlighted the importance of melding the complementary strengths of both organizations to drive advancements in the space domain. This cooperation aligns with ongoing trends in defense collaboration between Sweden and Finland, particularly as they forge a unified approach to address common security challenges.

Technological Synergies

The partnership aims to leverage ICEYE’s pioneering ISR capabilities alongside SSC’s extensive infrastructure that includes a vast global ground station network. This synergy is envisioned to not only enhance collation and dissemination of intelligence data but also improve the efficiency of satellite operations and mission logistics.

A major development occurred in September 2025 when the Finnish Defence Forces announced their decision to procure SAR satellites from ICEYE. This acquisition, valued at around €158 million, aims to establish a state-of-the-art space-based surveillance capability, integrating latest technologies and innovations into Finland's defense strategy.

In his address to leaders at the NATO Arctic Space Forum on November 12, 2025, Finland’s Minister of Defence, Antti Häkkänen, revealed plans to foster a multinational community with allied nations utilizing SAR satellite capabilities to promote compatibility and best practices in this crucial domain.

About ICEYE

ICEYE stands at the forefront of Earth monitoring technology, owning the largest SAR satellite constellation in the world. The company offers unparalleled persistent monitoring capabilities, enabling rapid, accurate detection and analysis of changes across the globe. With access to actionable data around the clock, even in adverse weather conditions, ICEYE is a trusted resource for governments and commercial sectors alike.

ICEYE operates on a global scale, with offices located across numerous countries, including Finland, Poland, Spain, and the US, boasting a team of over 900 dedicated professionals. Their efforts focus not only on intelligence sectors but extend to disaster response, maritime monitoring, and other vital operations, thereby contributing to community resilience and sustainable development.

About SSC

The Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) brings over 50 years of expertise in advanced space services. With a global footprint and a workforce of approximately 700 employees, SSC facilitates access to space for organizations and institutions worldwide. Their capabilities span satellite communications, spacecraft operations, and a range of consultancy services tailored to various applications, including telecommunications, environmental monitoring, and scientific research.

SSC also manages the Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden, a leading site for satellite launches in mainland Europe, and operates one of the largest commercial ground station networks globally. Their contributions significantly bolster the efficacy and success of various space projects across different sectors.

Conclusion

The LOI between ICEYE and SSC marks a decisive step toward enhanced space capabilities for Nordic countries and their NATO allies. As nations increasingly rely on advanced technology for national security, this partnership symbolizes a forward-thinking approach to collaborative defense efforts in the ever-evolving landscape of global security.