The Finnish Ministry of Defence has signed a letter of intent with domestic spacetech company Iceye to procure the country’s first defence satellites.
The satellites will be equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology, which enables high-resolution imaging regardless of weather conditions or time of day.
According to the ministry, the aim is to enhance the Defence Forces’ intelligence and surveillance capabilities from space. The data from the satellites will also be available to other national authorities.
The agreement marks a significant step in Finland’s space-based defence capabilities.
Earlier this month, Business Finland — the state agency responsible for distributing public innovation funding — announced over 41 million euros in support for Iceye’s research and development.
Iceye has also signed a separate contract worth approximately 200 million euros with the Polish Armed Forces.