The Ministry of Defence and space technology company ICEYE signed a letter of intent that allows Finland to procure Iceye synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, said the Ministry and the company in separate press release on Friday.
The collaboration aims to improve the Finnish Defence Forces' intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities in space, the Ministry said.
ICEYE SAR satellites can collect images and monitor any location in all weather and lighting conditions.
"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," said Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen.
The letter of intent includes a preliminary plan on the procurement package and schedule.
The planned procurement includes technical arrangements and equipment that enable the Defence Forces to develop its independent surveillance capability in space.
The data collected by the satellites can also be used to meet the needs of other authorities.
“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. 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," said Pekka Laurila, Co-founder and CSO at ICEYE.
ICEYE owns and operates the world’s largest SAR satellite constellation, providing unlimited global access and the highest revisit frequency on the market.
ICEYE SAR satellites provide 25 cm ground resolution, enabling accurate object detection and situational awareness in all weather and light conditions.
To date, ICEYE has launched 54 SAR satellites into orbit for ICEYE’s and its customers’ use, said the company.
- Finland
- Defence
- Satellite
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
