Finnish company ICEYE and Nokia have announced a partnership to develop a secure satellite communications system for governments. It is planned for use in defense, border security, emergency services, and disaster response.
The system will operate in low Earth orbit (LEO) and use European technologies. Governments will own and control the satellites, ground infrastructure, and terminals. The first communications satellites are planned to be launched in 2028.
ICEYE and Nokia aim to provide high-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity in designated areas where critical missions are carried out. The satellite system is intended to complement military and commercial networks rather than replace them, according to an ICEYE press release.
The companies plan to combine satellites, ground infrastructure, and secure user terminals. According to ICEYE and Nokia, this will provide additional coverage, capacity, and communications resilience where it is needed to support operations.
The partnership will combine ICEYE’s experience in developing sovereign satellite systems with Nokia’s technologies for secure networks and defense communications. For ICEYE, the project also expands its approach to sovereign space systems into satellite communications.
ICEYE CEO and co-founder Rafal Modrzewski said governments should fully own and control their communications systems without depending on the operating terms of a foreign commercial provider.
Nokia CEO Justin Hotard said autonomous systems and Physical AI technologies require secure and resilient connectivity between ground, maritime, air, and space systems.
