The Swedish government has committed SEK 1.3 billion (about €121 million) to procure ten Earth observation satellites as part of efforts to establish a sovereign intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capability, the defence ministry said.
The satellite investment forms part of a broader SEK 5.3 billion defence spending package announced on Jan. 12, aimed at expanding national defence capacity and accelerating procurement under a SEK 25 billion framework approved in March 2025. The programme is designed to strengthen Sweden’s ability to respond to hybrid threats, with most of the funding allocated to terrestrial drone systems.
“A strengthened space capability gives Sweden better intelligence gathering, increased freedom of action and greater strategic independence,” Defence Minister Pål Jonson said in a statement. “By building a national satellite capability, we strengthen the protection of our combat forces and increase Sweden’s value as a relevant and reliable ally.”
Jonson said in a social media post that the funding brings elements of Sweden’s space investment programme forward by about four years, reflecting the government’s push to accelerate the development of space-based defence capabilities.
While the government did not formally identify suppliers for the ten satellites, separate announcements indicate that U.S.-based Planet and Finnish company ICEYE have secured contracts linked to the programme.
Planet said on Jan. 12 that it had signed a contract with the Swedish Armed Forces described as a “multi-year low nine-figure” agreement, covering the delivery of satellites alongside space-based data and situational awareness solutions. “Europe needs its own eyes, and Sweden is leading the way by rapidly securing its own, comprehensive space capability,” Planet chief executive Will Marshall said.
ICEYE also announced a multi-year, multi-million euro agreement with the Swedish Armed Forces that includes satellites as well as ground and technical systems to support a space-based surveillance and intelligence capability owned and operated by Sweden.
According to the Swedish government, deliveries of the ten satellites are expected to begin in 2026 and continue through 2028, supporting Sweden’s efforts to enhance national and allied security through independent space-based ISR assets.
