Plans assume creating an interstate community with the participation of allies using SAR satellites (Synthetic-Aperture Radar). These are developed primarily by the Polish-Finnish start-up Iceye, which has created a constellation of microsatellites enabling accurate imaging of the earth regardless of weather conditions and time of day, with an accuracy of 25 cm.
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What does Finland's cooperation with NATO allies in space mean?
What satellites will Finland use in its project?
What was mentioned about the role of space in the context of NATO?
What SAR satellite agreements have Iceye signed?
— Thanks to strong observation capabilities, we will strengthen NATO's deterrence and defense in Northern Europe, said the head of the Finnish ministry.
Space is crucial
NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmiła Szekerinska, who participated in the Arctic Forum in Helsinki, emphasized that space is of key importance for the security of Northern Europe. — NATO realistically assesses the growing capabilities of Russia and China in space, admitted the deputy head of the Alliance and former defense minister of North Macedonia.
According to the Finnish Minister of Defense, “space has transformed from a traditional area of great power competition and scientific research into an area of global business and economic influence.”
This fall, Finland began implementing a national project to develop intelligence surveillance capabilities from space. For this purpose, three SAR satellites were acquired from Iceye. The contract for the supply of Iceye reconnaissance satellites was also signed with Polandand the first satellites for military-civilian applications are scheduled to be deployed in orbit in November.
Last Friday, Iceye and the German arms company Rheinmetall announced the establishment of a joint-venture company to increase the production of SAR satellites, which also support Ukraine in its defense war with Russia.
