Iceye satellites are equipped to capture images and conduct monitoring of any global location under all weather and lighting scenarios. Credit: Iceye.

The Finnish Defence Forces have been authorised by Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen to procure a satellite remote sensing system from Iceye.

The procurement is valued at approximately €158m ($185m) before tax and includes additional options that would allow for extended satellite operational life and system expansion.

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The contract is expected to generate approximately 36 person-years of employment.

The approval follows a letter of intent (LoI) between the Ministry of Defence and Iceye in June regarding synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites.

The order includes satellites, along with the necessary technical systems and equipment, which will allow the Finnish Defence Forces to establish their own space surveillance capabilities.

The collaboration with Iceye aims for rapid deployment and potential future advancements of this capability.

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Minister Häkkänen said: “This authorisation will set in motion the building of an independent space surveillance capability for Finland’s defence. It is a historic first step for the development of our defence capability, and it also has wider importance for industry and technology.”

Iceye’s satellites can acquire images and conducting surveillance globally under any weather or lighting conditions.

Data gathered from the satellites can be leveraged by defence and other agencies.

Since 2018, the Finland-based Iceye has successfully launched over 54 satellites and plans to continue expanding its constellation with more than 20 new satellites set to launch each year starting in 2025, as stated by the company.

In June 2025, the Royal Netherlands Air Force engaged Iceye to provide four SAR satellites with 25cm resolution capabilities.

The agreement also includes a local ground segment featuring an antenna, and a mobile ground segment equipped with an AI-powered intelligence hub, scheduled for delivery this June.

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