Swedish defence giant Saab has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ICEYE to enhance its command and control systems using data from the company’s synthetic aperture radar satellites.
Founded in 2014, ICEYE owns and operates the world’s largest constellation of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites. With around 40 satellites in orbit, the company provides near real-time insights, day or night, and in a variety of weather conditions.
On 5 March, Saab announced that it had signed an agreement with ICEYE to explore integrating the company’s “enhanced situational awareness, long-range targeting, and improved tactical decision-making capabilities” with Saab’s command and control systems.
“Saab’s integration with ICEYE data will provide real-time, high-resolution imagery through clouds and darkness, enabling comprehensive surveillance and reconnaissance for faster, even more informed decisions in complex operational environments,” said Carl-Johan Bergholm, head of Saab’s Surveillance division.
Saab’s command and control systems integrate real-time data from multiple sensors, including radar and satellites, to provide a comprehensive operational view of the battlefield. These solutions support air, land, and naval forces, with the company highlighting their ability to enhance mission planning, threat detection, and rapid response in complex environments.
According to Saab, the MoU signed earlier this week outlines an initial focus on demonstrating integration of ICEYE SAR data into its systems for multi-domain operations.
The deal with Saab adds to a growing list of contracts ICEYE has won to utilize its SAR data for defence applications. In July 2022, the company signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence to enhance the country’s remote sensing and data utilization capabilities. In September 2024, ICEYE partnered with Rheinmetall to provide satellite imagery to Ukraine on behalf of the German government. And in November 2024, ICEYE was selected to deliver advanced space technologies and analytics for the Finnish government’s F-35 Industrial Participation Programme.
