The Finnish Ministry of Defense has signed a landmark Letter of Intent with ICEYE, the European defense-tech pioneer and global leader in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite operations. The agreement enables the Finnish Defense Forces to acquire SAR satellites, marking a significant step forward in Finland’s strategy to enhance autonomous space-based intelligence and surveillance capabilities.
Under the agreement, ICEYE will deliver SAR satellites tailored to the specific operational needs of the Finnish Defense Forces. The collaboration includes a detailed preliminary delivery plan, timeline, and supporting technical systems necessary to establish a fully independent national capability for space-based situational awareness.
Strengthening National Security from Space
The new capability will empower Finland’s national leadership and defense authorities with real-time Earth observation data—providing critical insight for decision-making in both peacetime and crisis scenarios. The deployment of these advanced SAR satellites represents a leap in Finland’s ability to monitor activities on land and sea, regardless of weather conditions or time of day.
“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. “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.”
Strategic Autonomy and NATO Readiness
Minister of Defense Antti Häkkänen emphasized the broader strategic importance of the agreement:
“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.”
This cooperation not only accelerates the development of Finland’s space-based defense capabilities but also positions the country as a forward-leaning contributor within NATO and the broader European defense ecosystem.
Supporting Domestic Defense Innovation
The agreement also highlights Finland’s commitment to cultivating its domestic defense industry. ICEYE, headquartered in Espoo, has earned international recognition for its rapidly deployable SAR satellite constellation, delivering critical imaging data to global government and commercial partners.
Through this partnership, the Finnish Ministry of Defense is investing not only in national security but also in the global competitiveness of its defense-tech sector.
