HELSINKI and WARSAW: Finnish satellite technology leader ICEYE has signed a landmark agreement with Poland’s Ministry of National Defense to supply the Polish Armed Forces with cutting-edge Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite systems, marking a significant boost to Poland’s sovereign reconnaissance and intelligence capabilities. The deal, valued at approximately €200 million, includes the delivery of an initial batch of three ICEYE SAR satellites, with an option for three additional satellites and enhanced ground segment infrastructure within the next year, under the MikroSAR program.
The agreement not only involves satellite hardware but also a partnership with local Polish industry to develop a mobile Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform. This platform will enable near real-time tasking, data downloads, and analysis, providing the Polish military with rapid and actionable intelligence irrespective of weather or lighting conditions.
ICEYE’s CEO and Co-founder, Rafał Modrzewski, expressed pride in strengthening Poland’s defense posture with advanced satellite technology. He highlighted that ICEYE’s operationally proven SAR satellite constellation delivers continuous, high-resolution Earth observation capabilities that support resilience, readiness, and response in complex global security environments. Modrzewski emphasized ICEYE’s unique position as a European provider capable of offering sovereign reconnaissance systems tailored for ISR activities. He also noted the system’s design facilitates capacity sharing and cross-tasking with allied nations, enhancing collective space defense capabilities across Europe and beyond.
Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, hailed the deal as a historic milestone for the Polish Armed Forces, underscoring the country’s achievement of full independence in radar reconnaissance and imaging. He praised ICEYE’s Polish roots and affirmed that the technology acquired represents the world’s best capabilities. Kosiniak-Kamysz stressed that sovereignty and innovation are essential for defending freedom and independence, noting that the applications of this technology extend beyond military uses to significant economic benefits.
ICEYE operates the world’s largest constellation of SAR satellites, with 48 satellites launched to date. These satellites employ X-band SAR sensors capable of penetrating clouds, darkness, and adverse weather to provide all-weather, day-and-night Earth observation. ICEYE’s satellites deliver industry-leading spatial resolution down to 25 centimeters, enabling precise object detection and situational awareness critical for defense, security, and commercial applications.
The satellites are compact microsatellites, each weighing approximately 85 kilograms, equipped with electronically steerable active phased array antennas. This technology allows the satellites to capture imagery in multiple modes-including spotlight, stripmap, and ScanSAR-covering various spatial resolutions and scene sizes tailored to diverse operational needs. ICEYE’s constellation operates in sun-synchronous orbit, offering high revisit frequency and persistent monitoring capabilities essential for timely intelligence gathering.
This contract represents a strategic enhancement of Poland’s space-based ISR capabilities, aligning with broader European efforts to strengthen autonomous defense infrastructure. ICEYE’s system supports rapid decision-making by providing near real-time, actionable data that is resilient to environmental challenges. The integration of mobile ground platforms further ensures that intelligence can be disseminated and utilized swiftly in operational theaters.
Founded in 2015, ICEYE has rapidly grown into a global leader in SAR satellite technology, with offices spanning Finland, Poland, Spain, the UK, Australia, Japan, the UAE, Greece, and the United States. The company serves a diverse client base across defense, intelligence, insurance, natural disaster response, maritime monitoring, and finance sectors, delivering insights that contribute to community resilience and sustainable development worldwide.
With this significant deal, ICEYE not only reinforces its position as a premier provider of military and civilian SAR satellite solutions but also cements Poland’s role as a sovereign operator of advanced space-based reconnaissance assets. The deal’s implementation begins immediately, signaling a new era of enhanced situational awareness and defense readiness for Poland and its allies.
A contract valued at approximately €200 million, underscoring the strategic importance of space-based ISR in modern defense.
This development exemplifies the growing role of small satellite constellations in national security and highlights the increasing reliance on space assets to maintain situational awareness and operational advantage in an evolving geopolitical landscape.
