ICEYE and Finnish Defence Forces Collaborate on SAR Satellite Acquisition Agreement
On September 8, 2025, ICEYE, the prominent player in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite operations, made a historic leap forward in space technology alongside the Finnish Defence Forces (FDF). Officially signing a procurement agreement in Tampere, this collaboration aims to bolster Finland's intelligence and surveillance capabilities significantly from the skies above.
The contract was formalized at a ceremony featuring key figures such as Brigadier General Juha-Matti Ylitalo and Seppo Aaltonen, who is the Vice President for Nordics and NATO at ICEYE. This development follows a Letter of Intent that outlined mutual aspirations between ICEYE and the Finnish Ministry of Defence, marking a transition from aspiration to actionable framework.
The acquisition encompasses not only the cutting-edge SAR satellites produced by ICEYE but also an array of technical systems and equipment essential to establish an independent, space-based surveillance mechanism for the Finnish Defence Forces. One of the defining features of ICEYE’s satellites is their unmatched ability to deliver high-resolution imagery and vital data, irrespective of weather conditions or time of day, a vital aspect for enhancing situational awareness.
Pekka Laurila, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of ICEYE, remarked, "This agreement is a testament to the trust and shared vision between ICEYE and the Finnish Defence Forces. It represents a pivotal moment, shifting from intent to a solid commitment that will equip Finland with a sovereign, space-based intelligence capability. We take pride in providing technology that secures Finland's status as a leader in this crucial domain, laying the groundwork for a long-term partnership enhancing collective security among allies."
The estimated value of this groundbreaking acquisition stands at approximately 158 million euros. This amount covers not only the core procurement but also provisions for extending the lifecycle of the satellites as well as future system expansions.
This initiative marks a significant enhancement in ICEYE’s offerings targeted at defense sectors while advancing their objective of becoming the prime provider of pivotal Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) infrastructures to allied nations. Notably, ICEYE boasts the world’s largest SAR satellite constellation, enabling unparalleled global access coupled with the highest revisit frequency in the market.
ICEYE’s SAR satellites are capable of achieving 25 cm ground resolution, making them instrumental for precise object detection and enhanced situational awareness, regardless of environmental challenges. So far, ICEYE has successfully launched 54 SAR satellites, contributing to both ICEYE's and its partners' growing needs in the realm of Earth observation.
ICEYE has pioneered persistent monitoring capabilities that empower stakeholders to respond to changes effectively and promptly, making significant strides in the defense and intelligence landscape. With a commitment to delivering objective, near real-time insights, ICEYE ensures that customers gain unparalleled access to actionable data, day or night, overcoming atmospheric hurdles.
The company’s operations stretch globally, with a firm presence in strategic locations such as Finland, Poland, Spain, the UK, Australia, Japan, the UAE, Greece, and the US. More than 900 dedicated employees drive ICEYE’s mission, unified under the vision of enhancing life on Earth and serving as the definitive source of truth in Earth observation.
This partnership with the Finnish Defence Forces elevates not only Finland’s military capabilities but also reinforces ICEYE’s position as a trusted partner across diverse sectors, including insurance, natural disaster response and recovery, maritime monitoring, and finance. Through this collaboration, ICEYE is poised to facilitate decision-making that promotes community resilience and sustainable development on a global scale.
The contract was formalized at a ceremony featuring key figures such as Brigadier General Juha-Matti Ylitalo and Seppo Aaltonen, who is the Vice President for Nordics and NATO at ICEYE. This development follows a Letter of Intent that outlined mutual aspirations between ICEYE and the Finnish Ministry of Defence, marking a transition from aspiration to actionable framework.
The acquisition encompasses not only the cutting-edge SAR satellites produced by ICEYE but also an array of technical systems and equipment essential to establish an independent, space-based surveillance mechanism for the Finnish Defence Forces. One of the defining features of ICEYE’s satellites is their unmatched ability to deliver high-resolution imagery and vital data, irrespective of weather conditions or time of day, a vital aspect for enhancing situational awareness.
Pekka Laurila, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of ICEYE, remarked, "This agreement is a testament to the trust and shared vision between ICEYE and the Finnish Defence Forces. It represents a pivotal moment, shifting from intent to a solid commitment that will equip Finland with a sovereign, space-based intelligence capability. We take pride in providing technology that secures Finland's status as a leader in this crucial domain, laying the groundwork for a long-term partnership enhancing collective security among allies."
The estimated value of this groundbreaking acquisition stands at approximately 158 million euros. This amount covers not only the core procurement but also provisions for extending the lifecycle of the satellites as well as future system expansions.
This initiative marks a significant enhancement in ICEYE’s offerings targeted at defense sectors while advancing their objective of becoming the prime provider of pivotal Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) infrastructures to allied nations. Notably, ICEYE boasts the world’s largest SAR satellite constellation, enabling unparalleled global access coupled with the highest revisit frequency in the market.
ICEYE’s SAR satellites are capable of achieving 25 cm ground resolution, making them instrumental for precise object detection and enhanced situational awareness, regardless of environmental challenges. So far, ICEYE has successfully launched 54 SAR satellites, contributing to both ICEYE's and its partners' growing needs in the realm of Earth observation.
ICEYE has pioneered persistent monitoring capabilities that empower stakeholders to respond to changes effectively and promptly, making significant strides in the defense and intelligence landscape. With a commitment to delivering objective, near real-time insights, ICEYE ensures that customers gain unparalleled access to actionable data, day or night, overcoming atmospheric hurdles.
The company’s operations stretch globally, with a firm presence in strategic locations such as Finland, Poland, Spain, the UK, Australia, Japan, the UAE, Greece, and the US. More than 900 dedicated employees drive ICEYE’s mission, unified under the vision of enhancing life on Earth and serving as the definitive source of truth in Earth observation.
This partnership with the Finnish Defence Forces elevates not only Finland’s military capabilities but also reinforces ICEYE’s position as a trusted partner across diverse sectors, including insurance, natural disaster response and recovery, maritime monitoring, and finance. Through this collaboration, ICEYE is poised to facilitate decision-making that promotes community resilience and sustainable development on a global scale.
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