Finnish companies ICEYE and Nokia, together with Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence, plan to create their own satellite communications system. This is stated in an ICEYE press release.
The parties signed a letter of intent to explore opportunities for cooperation in the space sector on 22 October 2026, during the Finnish Prime Minister’s visit to Ukraine.
The satellite communications systems that the companies will develop jointly, based on European technologies, will give states ownership and control over the satellites, ground infrastructure and user terminals, ICEYE said.
“Ukraine needs secure, sovereign and high-performance satellite communications systems that will be under its control. We have a proven track record of delivering sovereign capabilities in this area quickly. ICEYE has proudly supported Ukraine since 2022, and we remain committed to continuing that support,” said ICEYE Chief Executive and co-founder Rafal Modrzewski.
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Mikko Hautala, Director for Geopolitical Affairs and Government Relations and Head of Nokia Defense, stressed that satellite networks make it possible to maintain communications in the event of disruptions to ground infrastructure.
“That is why they are an important component of any secure communications system. By signing this letter of intent, together with Ukraine and ICEYE we will explore how reliable sovereign satellite communications can strengthen Ukraine’s resilience and give it control over the communications channels it depends on,” he said.
As a reminder, on 22 October Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo visited Ukraine and met Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Following the meeting, it became known that Finland will provide Ukraine with a new support package. In total, the parties signed seven documents, and the overall value of the agreements amounts to €300 million.