Ukraine Ministry of Defense partners with ICEYE for enhanced SAR satellite support

ICEYE, a player in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite operations for Earth Observation, has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine to enhance their collaboration in remote Earth sensing for Ukraine's national security and defence.

This Memorandum builds on ICEYE’s steadfast support for the Ukrainian government since 2022. It ensures that all imagery of Ukraine’s territory captured by ICEYE is used exclusively for Ukraine’s security and defence purposes, and not shared with any hostile countries or entities.

The agreement also details plans for ICEYE and Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense to bolster Ukraine’s space defence capabilities and provide SAR expertise to support defence operations. The focus is on advancing remote sensing technology, enhancing data usage for security purposes, and facilitating Ukraine’s integration into the global space economy.

In August 2022, ICEYE signed a contract with the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation to supply the Ukrainian government with SAR satellite imaging capabilities. Under this agreement, one of ICEYE’s SAR satellites is designated for Ukraine’s use, and Ukraine’s Armed Forces have access to ICEYE’s constellation of SAR satellites, enabling high-frequency radar imaging of critical locations.

“Cooperation with ICEYE and the signing of the memorandum will enhance our intelligence work. I’m grateful to the company for its commitment to values and the Ukrainian people. I support the intention to limit space imaging over the territory of Ukraine. We must protect the country on land, in the air, at sea, and in space,” commented Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Defense Kateryna Chernohorenko on the signing of the memorandum.

Oleksandra Ustinova, Head of Ukraine’s Parliamentary Commission on Arms, commented: “I plead with all satellite companies to follow ICEYE’s lead in not selling imagery to Russia. ICEYE has been an important partner for Ukraine in providing satellite data responsibly. We are grateful that they are taking the technological lead within the industry to help protect Ukraine from Russian aggression. ICEYE’s modern technologies will be able to provide Ukraine with an advantage on the battlefield and far beyond enemy lines. I foresee this cooperation to strengthen with time and that together, we will engage in new defense space projects, directing Ukraine toward building a highly technological sovereign space capability.”

“ICEYE has been working closely with the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine from Day 1 to support and help Ukraine in building space defense capabilities. In line with our vision to improve life on Earth by becoming the global source of truth in Earth Observation, we take pride in our efforts to provide objective, actionable data and technological support to Ukraine. The use of new, ground-breaking technology will continue to add significant value to the Government of Ukraine,” said Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and Co-founder of ICEYE.

“As an operator of highly advanced space capabilities and as a supplier of geospatial intelligence, we believe that we have a responsibility to prevent the misuse of our services against Ukraine,” continued Modrzewski, “We ask our peers to stand with us and Ukraine in this approach against unwarranted foreign aggression.”

ICEYE, the operator of the world's largest Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite constellation, provides reliable and proven Earth Observation data and solutions. Traditional Earth observation satellites often face limitations due to cloud cover or darkness. In contrast, ICEYE’s small radar imaging satellites can capture high-resolution images regardless of time of day or weather conditions. This capability allows ICEYE to collect images and data from any part of the Earth multiple times a day, ensuring the reliability needed for critical decision-making.