A concept graphic of an ICEYE-X2 SAR satellite in orbit. (Iceye)
Finland’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) and satellite company Iceye Oy have signed a letter of intent that allows Finland to purchase Iceye synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, setting a pathway for the country’s long-term plan on building space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, Finnish Staff Officer Antti Korpi from the Finnish MoD told Janes on 30 June.
The Iceye SAR satellites will provide 24 hour real-time situational awareness in all weather conditions across the globe. The Finnish MoD sees value in the company’s work with different satellite capabilities, including target recognition, SO Korpi said.
The SAR satellites will be a sovereign space-based ISR capability for Finland as well as the first government-owned satellites, confirmed SO Korpi, with Iceye saying it will have a 25 cm ground resolution.
“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 defence industry and creating new opportunities to deepen co-operation with allies and partners,” Finnish Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen said in a 27 June MoD press release.
The letter of intent includes “the general content of the procurement to be negotiated between the Finnish Defence Forces [Puolustusvoimat] and Iceye Oy”, according to SO Korpi. Negotiations are currently under way, and the intention is to “finalise the deal soon”. The letter provides an overall delivery schedule “that is agile”, he added.
The procurement package consists of specific SAR satellites and the ground infrastructure needed for operating the constellation, according to the MoD. The package details and technical requirements of the satellites are classified.
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