Ukraine's Defense Ministry secures deal with ICEYE for advanced satellite technology

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has signed a strategically important contract with ICEYE, a company specializing in micro-satellites and radar satellite constellations, according to a press release from the ministry.

The agreement was made possible with the support of the German government and the Rheinmetall conglomerate, which acted as a party to the contract, the Ministry of Defense stated.

Through this contract, Ukrainian military forces will have access to high-resolution satellite imagery with full coverage of the combat zone. The command will be able to independently determine priority surveillance areas and quickly obtain accurate data through the ICEYE satellite system.

In August, the Ministry of Defense signed a memorandum with ICEYE to expand cooperation, leading to the signing of this contract.

"By implementing advanced space reconnaissance technologies, we are creating a technological advantage that enhances combat readiness and protects our military," the Ministry of Defense stated.

Since the beginning of October 2024, Ukraine has already started receiving new satellite images as part of the cooperation between Rheinmetall and ICEYE, according to a statement from the German company.

Rheinmetall and ICEYE have been collaborating since June 2024, and in September, the German company gained access to ICEYE's entire satellite fleet. Since 2018, ICEYE has launched 38 satellites for use by its clients.

SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellites have an advantage over conventional satellites because they can generate high-resolution images regardless of weather conditions or time of day. The images are very detailed and allow for the identification of even the smallest objects on Earth. This can provide decisive advantages for the armed forces in terms of surveillance, target detection, reconnaissance, or self-positioning on the battlefield.

On June 26, 2024, it was reported that an ICEYE satellite, purchased by the Serhiy Prytula Foundation, helped Ukrainian military intelligence identify 370 Russian airfields, 153 oil depots, and other important enemy objects. Intelligence began using the spacecraft on September 24, 2022.

On August 22, ICEYE launched four more satellites.