German defense company Rheinmetall and Finnish satellite manufacturer ICEYE Oy have officially launched a joint venture called Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions GmbH, aimed at advancing Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite technologies. This strategic partnership was formalized in Berlin, with Rheinmetall’s CEO Armin Papperger and ICEYE co-founder RafaÅ‚ Modrzewski signing the agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, Rheinmetall holds a majority share of 60 percent in the venture, while ICEYE retains a 40 percent interest.
The joint venture will operate out of Neuss, Germany, and is set to begin its activities this year, with plans for local production of its first satellite targeted for 2026. ICEYE currently boasts one of the largest SAR satellite constellations globally, delivering near-real-time imagery under all weather and lighting conditions.
Rheinmetall noted a significant rise in demand for space-based reconnaissance capabilities among armed forces and security agencies around the world in recent years. The collaboration with ICEYE is viewed as a pivotal move for Rheinmetall to bolster its presence in the burgeoning space sector.
The new agreement expands upon the existing relationship between the two companies. Last year, they jointly deployed SAR satellites to offer high-resolution reconnaissance support to Ukraine as part of a German funding initiative. These SAR systems have been crucial in enhancing Ukrainian forces’ capabilities in areas such as surveillance, target identification, and battlefield positioning.
Moreover, the agreement afforded Kyiv dedicated satellite access and the ability to leverage ICEYE’s full satellite constellation for its operational needs. In September 2024, the partnership was further solidified as Rheinmetall secured exclusive marketing rights for ICEYE’s SAR satellites, targeting military and government clients in Germany and Hungary. This initiative indicates a broader trend toward integrating advanced satellite technologies into defense strategies to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare and security operations.
