Finland’s ICEYE eyes Europe's sovereign access to space-based intelligence

Finland’s ICEYE is playing a crucial role in helping Europe gain sovereign access to satellite intelligence, reducing reliance on the United States.

Joost Elstak, the company’s Vice President for Missions, emphasised that the need for independent space-based intelligence capabilities became clear after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and was further underscored when the US halted intelligence sharing with Ukraine in March 2025 according to Defense News.

"The key thing it proved is that you need independent capabilities, and you need a strong alliance," Elstak said. "You can’t rely on just one node, whoever that node may be."

Prior to these events, space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) was considered one of Europe’s most challenging areas to achieve self-sufficiency. A survey by Defense News in February found that experts believed Europe would need five to 10 years to develop sufficient ISR capacity to reduce dependence on US data.

But since the US data-sharing pause, ICEYE has signed contracts with several European nations, including Poland, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Finland, all of which will have operational satellite capabilities within the next 12 months.

"We’re becoming more and more of a defence-intelligence company," Elstak said, noting that ICEYE has transitioned from a commercial data provider to a key player in European defence operations.

Founded in 2014 as a spin-off from a Finnish university, ICEYE operates the world’s largest synthetic aperture radar (SAR) constellation, providing high-frequency radar images regardless of weather conditions or time of day. With 20 to 30 satellites in orbit, ICEYE can offer radar imagery from any location every 30 to 60 minutes. This capability is unrestricted by US export regulations, offering a unique advantage for European customers.

Elstak explained that ICEYE's offerings extend beyond satellite data. The company provides complete solutions, including satellites, ground stations, data analysis, and training, positioning it closer to space integrators like Airbus than smaller data providers such as Capella Space or Umbra.

“Military customers want their own minimum national capability, but they’re also happy to procure additional commercial data from ICEYE through credits or leased capacity,” Elstak said. This is evident in the company’s contract with Poland, where ICEYE is providing an initial batch of three SAR satellites, with an option for three more, for approximately €200 million.

ICEYE’s cost-effective approach is particularly striking when compared to previous systems. For instance, Germany’s SARah constellation, which operates with three satellites, cost around €1 billion. ICEYE’s constellation is much more affordable while maintaining high operational capacity.

In addition to satellite imagery, ICEYE is developing technologies to expedite data delivery to the battlefield. Its new ISR Cell system, set to be deployed by early 2026, provides ground forces with real-time access to satellite ISR data, aiming to deliver intelligence within minutes.

ICEYE is also focusing on enhancing its AI capabilities. By partnering with SATIM and SafranAI, the company is using AI-based analytics to improve the identification of objects such as vehicles and vessels. Elstak outlined plans to develop a constellation of over 100 satellites, which would enable tactical intelligence gathering on a global scale.

With a capacity to produce 25 radar satellites per year, ICEYE plans to scale up production to around 40 satellites annually by 2026, with potential for 50 satellites per year in the following stages. The company is also exploring European small-launcher options to complement its existing partnership with SpaceX.

Despite the current urgency among sovereign customers to launch satellites quickly, Elstak stressed that the realization of the importance of independent space-based ISR will endure, even if the war in Ukraine ends.

"This is not going to go away in the military doctrine," he concluded.

By Sabina Mammadli