NATO is strengthening cooperation in space. “We will establish a satellite cooperation forum”

Finland is initiating cooperation in space with NATO allies using SAR observation satellites, said Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen during the first Arctic Forum in Helsinki.

The plans assume the creation of an interstate community with the participation of allies using SAR (Synthetic-Aperture Radar) satellites. 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.

– Thanks to strong observation capabilities, we will strengthen NATO's deterrence and defense in Northern Europe – said the head of the Finnish ministry.

NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmiła Szekerinska, who participated in the Arctic Forum in Helsinki, emphasized that Space is crucial to 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. A contract for the supply of Iceye reconnaissance satellites was also signed with Poland, and the first satellites for military-civilian applications are to be placed 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.

pmo/san/