Finland partners with ICEYE to boost national space-based surveillance

Data from ICEYE’s SAR satellites will provide real-time situational awareness to Finland’s national leadership and relevant authorities. The project represents a strategic investment in national defence and space-based monitoring infrastructure.

“We are proud to contribute to strengthening Finland’s national security. Timely and reliable Earth observation data from space is a strategic asset that supports a wide range of decisions,” said Pekka Laurila, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at ICEYE.

Laurila added, “With this capability, Finland will be well positioned to become a global leader in the field, and our collaboration with the Finnish Defense Forces is something our team deeply values. It also creates a vital environment for advancing capabilities that support the defense readiness of other NATO allies.”

Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen highlighted the significance of the move: “As space becomes increasingly critical, Finland is now taking a unique step forward in national defense. By acquiring our own satellites, we are strengthening our independent space-based intelligence and surveillance capabilities, and at the same time, we are supporting the domestic high-tech defense industry and creating new opportunities to deepen cooperation with allies and partners.”

The cooperation is set to accelerate the development of Finland’s space-based defence strategy. It also plays a key role in shaping the Finnish Defence Forces’ future intelligence and surveillance systems.

ICEYE operates the world’s largest SAR satellite constellation, capable of delivering 25 cm ground resolution imaging in all weather and light conditions. So far, the company has launched 54 SAR satellites into orbit for both its own use and that of its global customers.