The parties announced the move on 22 October during the Finnish prime minister’s visit to Ukraine. They did not disclose funding, satellite numbers or a timetable for deploying a system.
Ownership of satellites and ground equipment
The discussions build on a Nokia-ICEYE partnership announced earlier this month to develop secure broadband communications using low Earth orbit satellites. Their approach would give government customers ownership and control of the satellites, ground infrastructure and terminals.
“Ukraine needs secure, sovereign and high-performance satellite communications systems that it controls,” said Rafal Modrzewski, ICEYE’s chief executive and co-founder. “We have a proven track record of delivering sovereign missions at speed to help build that capability.”
The companies said their jointly developed systems would use European technology. Intended applications include defence, border security, emergency services and disaster response.
Backup for disrupted ground networks
“Nations need communications they can rely on in every situation,” said Mikko Hautala, Nokia’s chief geopolitical and government relations officer and chairman of Nokia Defense. “Satellite networks extend and protect connectivity when networks on the ground are disrupted.”
The letter of intent provides a basis for exploring how that capability could support Ukraine. It does not announce a satellite purchase or a deployment commitment.
“ICEYE has proudly supported Ukraine since 2022, and we remain committed to continuing that support today,” Modrzewski said. The proposed cooperation adds sovereign satellite communications to the areas being discussed with the Ukrainian defence ministry.
