Sweden’s flag. Photo: Florian Prischl, Creative Commons License

The Swedish Armed Forces has signed sovereign satellite deals with both Planet Labs and Iceye, with both agreements giving the government access to dedicated satellites. 

Planet Labs characterized the agreement as a “multi-year, low 9-figure” deal. It will allow Sweden to “own a suite of Planet’s cutting-edge satellites, and have access to Planet’s high-resolution data, and intelligence solutions.” 

Planet did not specify the number of satellites involved. This is Planet’s third large satellite services contract over the past year, following similar agreements with Japan and Germany. 

“Europe needs its own eyes, and Sweden is leading the way by rapidly securing its own, comprehensive space capability – helping achieve its own security objectives and assisting regional allies, like Ukraine, with timely, critical information,” commented Planet CEO Will Marshall. “By leveraging Planet’s scaled production line and agile aerospace methodology, Sweden achieves both the speed and the long-term sovereignty they require, without compromise.”

Separately, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) signed a multi-million, multi-year agreement with Iceye to procure Iceye synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites. Iceye said the Swedish Armed Forces will own and operate the system for sovereign control over tasking, data, and operational use. Iceye did not specify the number of satellites. 

“ICEYE is proud to partner with the Swedish Armed Forces and deliver sovereign space-based ISR capabilities that work in all weather and lighting conditions of Northern Europe and Arctic,” commented Seppo Aaltonen Iceye vice president of Nordics and NATO. Aaltonen noted Finland, where Iceye is based, is the closest Nordic NATO ally of Sweden. 

Both investments were announced on Jan. 12.