Finnish Defence Forces to procure satellites from ICEYE

The procurement of SAR satellites will enhance the Finnish Defence Forces’ intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability.

On 5 September the Minister of Defence authorised the Finnish Defence Forces to order a SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite system from the Finnish ICEYE Oy. The procurement contract was signed by Brigadier General Engineering Juha-Matti Ylitalo, Deputy Chief of Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command and Seppo Aaltonen, VP Nordics & NATO at ICEYE, in Tampere on 8 September 2025.

The procurement is based on the letter of intent signed by the Ministry of Defence and ICEYE in June this year. It includes the satellites and all related technology and equipment, which will enhance the Defence Forces’ independent surveillance capability in space. 

ICEYE’s satellites can provide images and monitor locations in any weather, day and night. The data produced by the satellites can be used for the needs of other authorities as well.

The total value of the procurement, excluding VAT, is approximately EUR 158 million. The procurement includes options which will enable extension of the satellites’ life cycle and expansion of the system. The effect of the procurement on employment in Finland is approximately 36 person-years.