Ukraine is exploring a new European satellite communications partnership as it seeks greater control over critical military satellite communications connectivity during Russia’s continuing invasion.
Finnish satellite operator ICEYE, the Finnish satellite operator, and Nokia have signed a Letter of Intent with Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence to examine the development of sovereign space communications capabilities.
The agreement was announced during a visit to Ukraine by Finland’s Prime Minister, placing satellite infrastructure at the centre of technological cooperation.
Although the agreement does not constitute a procurement contract, it establishes a framework for examining how Ukraine could operate secure satellite communications systems with greater national ownership and control.
The initiative follows an earlier partnership between ICEYE and Nokia to develop high-performance broadband networks using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites for government customers.
Unlike conventional commercial satellite services, the proposed sovereign architecture would allow participating governments to control the satellites, ground infrastructure and user terminals underpinning their communications.
That distinction is particularly significant for Ukraine, where military operations depend on resilient connectivity despite attacks on terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure and services.
Satellite networks can provide alternative communications paths when ground systems are damaged, disrupted or unavailable, helping maintain links between military units, government agencies and emergency responders.
The companies have not disclosed a timetable, investment commitment, technical specifications or the number of satellites that could be involved in any Ukrainian deployment.
Nor has the Ministry of Defence announced a final procurement decision. The Letter of Intent instead signals an intention to investigate potential cooperation and define future requirements.
ICEYE Chief Executive and Co-founder Rafal Modrzewski said Ukraine needed satellite systems it could control independently.
“Ukraine needs secure, sovereign and high-performance satellite communications systems that it controls,” he said.
Modrzewski added that ICEYE had supported Ukraine since 2022 and intended to continue providing assistance.
Nokia’s Chief Geopolitical and Government Relations officer, Mikko Hautala, who also chairs Nokia Defense, emphasised the importance of maintaining connectivity during infrastructure disruptions.
“Satellite networks extend and protect connectivity when networks on the ground are disrupted,” he said.
The initiative builds on complementary capabilities. Nokia develops telecommunications networks and connectivity infrastructure while ICEYE specialises in satellite systems and space-based intelligence.
Founded in Finland, ICEYE operates a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) constellation capable of collecting imagery regardless of daylight or weather conditions.
Its radar satellites support defence intelligence, environmental monitoring and emergency management, providing observations of locations that may be difficult to monitor using conventional optical satellites.
However, radar imaging and broadband satellite communications perform different functions. The proposed partnership concerns communications infrastructure rather than simply extending ICEYE’s existing Earth observation services.
For Ukraine, the strategic question is whether European suppliers can deliver a satellite network capable of operating alongside existing communications arrangements.
For ICEYE and Nokia, the discussions represent an opportunity to demonstrate their sovereign communications proposition in a demanding operational environment.
Any deployment would depend on agreements, assessments and funding decisions. For now, the announcement marks an exploratory step towards strengthening Ukraine’s control over communications infrastructure beyond terrestrial networks.
