Finland to procure its first own satellites for defence

Finland’s Ministry of Defence and Iceye Oy have signed a letter of intent that allows Finland to procure Iceye synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites.

The collaboration aims to improve the Finnish Defence Forces’ intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities in space. 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 Minister of Defence 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.

Inquiries: Antti Korpi, Staff Officer, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 231; and Vesa Mäntylä, Chief of Operations, Finnish Air Force, Finnish Defence Forces, tel. +358 299 800 (Defence Forces’ switchboard).

Requests for interviews with Minister of Defence Häkkänen: Antti Vesala, Special Adviser, tel. +358 295 140 099.