“The German Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Support of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) has entrusted Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions with the task of providing the German armed forces with reconnaissance data, providing them with exclusive access to a new constellation of satellites equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR),” reads a press release from the Polish-Finnish company ICEYE.
The rest of the article is below the video
To this end, Rheinmetall has partnered with ICEYE, a leading manufacturer and operator of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, to create the Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions joint venture.
The joint venture operates as a separate company, with no change in the ownership structure of Rheinmetall or ICEYE.
ICEYE and Rheinmetall with a contract for the Bundeswehr. What is the contract value?
The new entity based in Neuss will provide a large number of SAR radar images from its own, exclusive satellite constellation, and will also offer a comprehensive package of services: from full operational support and management of the ground segment to image analysis using artificial intelligence. The new satellite constellation will remain the property of Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions.
The contract is worth approximately EUR 1.7 billion grossalso includes an extension option. Satellite reconnaissance data will be intended primarily to protect the 45th Tank Brigade of the Bundeswehr stationed in Lithuania and to strengthen NATO's eastern flank.
The agreement will be valid from the end of 2025 to the end of 2030, with an extension option. Under the contract, Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions is to provide a large volume of satellite imagery every day using its own, independent constellation. Production of the first SAR satellites in the joint venture at the Neuss plant is scheduled to start in the third quarter of 2026.
Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall, said: “Modern armed forces need constant access to reconnaissance, communication and command systems based on space infrastructure. As a provider of digital solutions, we cooperate with European partners to ensure such capabilities.”
ICEYE President Rafał Modrzewski comments on the contract for the Bundeswehr
In turn, Rafał Modrzewski, president and co-founder of ICEYE, said: “By supporting Germany with this groundbreaking program, ICEYE is also contributing to strengthening Europe's security. Information obtained from space is now the basis of modern defense – it is no longer just an element of the strategic background, but a direct tactical tool. We are making a necessary change: replacing single, vulnerable systems with resilient satellite constellations that provide decision-makers with timely, actionable information exactly when they need it most.”
“This historic agreement confirms ICEYE's transition from a pioneer in the New Space sector to a leading provider of key defense capabilities. By combining the high pace of satellite construction with advanced data analysis, we are creating a new model of using space to build strategic and tactical advantage for countries,” commented Rafał Modrzewski.
Within the Bundeswehr, the project is called “SAR Space System for Persistent Operational Tracking Stage 1” (“SPOCK 1” for short). SAR satellites, orbiting at an altitude of 500–600 km, emit a strong radar signal towards Earth and record its reflections, which are then processed into detailed, high-resolution images. Radar satellites do not use visible light, but rather a radar beam, which allows them to “see” both during the day and at night.
Microwave waves penetrate clouds, smoke, dust, rain and fog, making precise imaging possible regardless of atmospheric conditions, which in turn enables more frequent imaging and tracking of events with high dynamics of change. This technology also allows you to detect subtle changes invisible to the naked eye with a resolution of up to 16 cm.
ICEYE is a company with Polish-Finnish origins. It operates globally through offices in Poland, Finland, Spain, Great Britain, Greece and the United States. The ICEYE team consists of over 900 people.
