Finland defence satellites have officially become part of the country’s security strategy after the Finnish Defence Forces signed a €158 million contract with ICEYE. The agreement, which was finalized on September 8 in Tampere, is Finland’s first move toward establishing an independent space-based surveillance system that will provide the nation with greater autonomy in defense and intelligence.
The deal covers an undisclosed number of Synthetic Aperture Radar satellites, along with ground systems and technical infrastructure required to support space surveillance operations. Although the number of satellites has not been confirmed, the contract includes options for future expansion and lifecycle upgrades, giving Finland the flexibility to scale as needed.
Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen described the signing as a historic first step for Finland’s security, noting that it will give the country an independent capability to observe and respond to changing regional security conditions. At the signing ceremony, Brigadier General Juha-Matti Ylitalo from the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command joined ICEYE Vice President Seppo Aaltonen to formalize the deal, underscoring the importance of the partnership between the military and the domestic space industry.
ICEYE, which was founded in Finland and now operates the world’s largest constellation of radar satellites, already has 54 units in orbit serving clients worldwide. Its technology provides high-resolution imagery in any weather and at any time of day, making it particularly valuable for intelligence gathering, defense operations, and disaster response. Under this agreement, the Finnish Defence Forces will gain the ability to monitor both national and international areas of interest with near real-time situational awareness. Pekka Laurila, co-founder of ICEYE, said the agreement is a testament to the trust between the company and Finland’s defense establishment, calling it a pivotal moment for the country’s sovereignty in intelligence and for the growth of the Finnish space industry.
While the Finnish Defence Forces have not revealed the number of satellites included, comparisons can be drawn from Poland’s €200 million deal signed earlier this year for three satellites with an option for three more. This suggests that Finland is taking a similar approach by developing a scalable program that can expand as national and regional security requirements evolve. The €158 million package ensures that Finland can adapt its surveillance capability to meet future challenges, with an expectation that initial operational capacity will be achieved swiftly.
The agreement also reflects a broader regional shift as Nordic and Baltic countries increase investments in advanced defense technology. Independent space-based monitoring is becoming essential as governments seek to secure their territories and reduce reliance on outside actors. For Finland, the ICEYE deal is more than just a contract. It is a decisive step into the era of space defense, setting the foundation for a sovereign surveillance capability that can support both national security and regional stability.
