ICEYE, a global operator of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites, and Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to explore closer cooperation on space-based capabilities for Nordic nations and NATO, the companies said.
The LOI was signed at the NATO Arctic Space Forum in Helsinki and reflects deeper strategic alignment between Sweden and Finland as both countries expand their roles within the alliance. The plan focuses on combining ICEYE’s satellite-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) services with SSC’s ground station network, mission operations expertise and forthcoming orbital launch capabilities.
Company representatives said the collaboration will assess how their respective strengths could support future mission development and provide more responsive ISR for the Arctic region and NATO’s North-Eastern Flank.
“Through this LOI, we’re evaluating how to combine ICEYE’s SAR offering and SSC’s global ground network and future access to orbit. The intent is to explore concepts that strengthen Nordic collaboration for security and resilience and enable dependable ISR for NATO and the Nordics,” said Pekka Laurila, CSO and Co-founder of ICEYE.
Charlotta Sund, President and CEO of SSC, said the agreement aligns with expanding bilateral defence cooperation. “The LOI between SSC and ICEYE aims to develop cooperation based on our complementary strengths, and is in line with and supports an increasing defense cooperation also in the space domain between Sweden and Finland,” she said.
The announcement follows discussions among senior Nordic and NATO officials at the forum about the need for tighter cooperation between allied governments and industry to enhance space security.
Finland has been building its own sovereign SAR capability. In September 2025, the Finnish Defence Forces announced a €158 million acquisition of SAR satellites and supporting systems from ICEYE, including options to extend their operational life and expand the constellation.
On 12 November 2025, Finland’s Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen told the forum that Helsinki aims to establish a multinational community of allied nations using SAR satellites to improve interoperability, share best practices and strengthen joint situational awareness.
