ICEYE Partners with Finnish Defence Forces to Enhance Surveillance Capabilities with SAR Satellites
ICEYE, recognized globally as a pioneer in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite technology, has entered into a significant agreement with the Finnish Defence Forces aimed at bolstering national intelligence and surveillance capabilities from space. On September 8, 2025, a formal contract was signed in Tampere, Finland, by Brigadier General Engineering Juha-Matti Ylitalo, representing the Finnish Defence Forces, and Seppo Aaltonen, Vice President for Nordics at ICEYE. This partnership is set to enhance Finland's defense landscape by integrating advanced radar satellite technology into their operational framework.
The strategic decision to acquire ICEYE’s SAR satellites marks a further commitment following the Letter of Intent signed with Finland’s Ministry of Defence earlier in June. This transition indicates a solid dedication to establishing a sovereign, space-based surveillance system capable of delivering real-time situational awareness under all weather and lighting conditions — a significant operational advantage in modern defense planning.
Brigadier General Ylitalo highlighted the importance of this satellite procurement, saying, "The acquisition of ICEYE’s technology is a crucial step towards refining our intelligence operations and strengthens our ability to monitor and respond to threats. With high-resolution imagery provided by these satellites, we will enhance our capabilities fundamentally."
ICEYE's unique offerings include a combination of advanced technical systems and equipment necessary to establish this critical surveillance infrastructure. Notably, ICEYE's SAR satellites boast an impressive ground resolution of 25 centimeters, enabling precise object detection that can be crucial for situational awareness in both military and civilian settings. As a leader in the global SAR satellite operations market, ICEYE’s extensive constellation — the largest of its kind — allows for rapid revisit time and unmatched global coverage.
The total investment for this acquisition is roughly 158 million euros, encompassing not only the initial procurement but also options to extend the lifetime of the satellites and further expand the system’s capabilities in the future. This financial commitment underscores the Finnish Defence Forces' intent to enhance its strategic capabilities significantly in an era where space technology is becoming increasingly vital for national security.
Pekka Laurila, the Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at ICEYE, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the partnership, saying, "This agreement illustrates a strong mutual trust and a shared vision of what we can achieve together. It signifies a pivotal transition from plans to concrete actions, equipping Finland with the capability to lead in space-based intelligence. We take immense pride in delivering this technology that will not only fortify Finland’s position but also enhance the collective security of its allies."
Furthermore, this development aligns with ICEYE's mission to become the primary provider of essential intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) infrastructure to allied nations. Historically, ICEYE has outperformed its competitors by providing real-time insights that are crucial for various sectors, including defense, natural disaster response, maritime monitoring, and many more. As part of its international operations, ICEYE maintains offices across several countries, including Finland, Poland, Spain, and the United States, marking its global reach and community-oriented approach.
ICEYE’s commitment to delivering reliable and detailed monitoring capabilities promises to lead to more informed decision-making across institutions critical to community resilience and environmental sustainability. As nations strive to integrate advanced technologies into their defense strategies, this partnership could set a precedent for future collaborations in the field of space-based observation and intelligence sharing.
For more information and updates on ICEYE and its groundbreaking work, visit their website at www.iceye.com or follow them on social media platforms such as LinkedIn and X.