Finland to Launch First Defense Satellites
In a historic move to bolster its national security and intelligence capabilities, Finland has signed a landmark agreement with domestic space technology firm Iceye Oy to procure the country’s first-ever defense satellites. The deal, announced on June 27, 2025, marks a major step in Finland’s effort to establish an independent space-based surveillance and reconnaissance capability.
The satellites, based on Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology, will provide high-resolution imaging regardless of weather or lighting conditions—an essential feature for operations in Finland’s often cloud-covered and dark northern latitudes. The data collected will primarily support the Finnish Defence Forces, but may also be shared with other national authorities for broader security and crisis response purposes.
“This is a strategic leap for Finland,” said Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen. “As space becomes increasingly critical, Finland is now taking a unique step forward in national defence. 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.”
The agreement with Iceye includes a preliminary delivery schedule and outlines the technical infrastructure needed to support a sovereign satellite network. Iceye, which operates the world’s largest SAR satellite constellation, has already launched over 50 satellites and is a key player in NATO-aligned defense innovation.
The deal also reflects Finland’s growing emphasis on space as a domain of defense, especially following its recent accession to NATO. With this acquisition, Finland joins a select group of nations with autonomous satellite-based intelligence capabilities—underscoring its commitment to national resilience and alliance readiness
