ATHENS

The Finnish Defense Ministry on Friday announced that a deal was signed to procure the country’s first military satellites.

The letter of intent signed with the Iceye Oy company aims to improve the Finnish Defense Forces’ intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities in space, announced the Defense Ministry in a statement.

“As space becomes increasingly critical, Finland is now taking a unique step forward in national defense. By acquiring our own satellites, we are strengthening our independent space-based intelligence and surveillance capabilities, and at the same time, we are supporting the domestic high-tech defense industry and creating new opportunities to deepen cooperation with allies and partners,” commented Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen on the deal.

The letter of intent includes a preliminary plan on the procurement package and schedule, while the planned procurement involves technical arrangements and equipment that enable the armed forces to develop their independent surveillance capability in space, according to the ministry.