Credit: ICEYE
The Swedish government has committed SEK 1.3 billion (approximately €121 million) to purchase ten satellites to build out a sovereign intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) system.
On 12 January, Sweden announced a SEK 5.3 billion (approximately €494 million) spending package focused on expanding national defence capacity. The funding forms part of a SEK 25 billion rapid-procurement framework approved in March 2025 aimed at strengthening the country’s ability to respond to hybrid threats. While the bulk of the SEK 5.3 billion package is directed toward the procurement of terrestrial drone systems, approximately SEK 1.3 billion has been allocated for the purchase of ten Earth observation satellites.
“A strengthened space capability gives Sweden better intelligence gathering, increased freedom of action and greater strategic independence,” said Minister of Defence Pål Jonson. “By building a national satellite capability, we strengthen the protection of our combat forces and increase Sweden’s value as a relevant and reliable ally.”
Jonson added in a social post that the spending brings elements of Sweden’s space investment programme forward by four years, underscoring the government’s push to accelerate the development of its space-based defence capabilities.
While the Swedish government’s announcement did not identify the companies contracted to deliver the ten satellites, separate announcements from ICEYE and Planet indicate that the two firms have secured contracts linked to the procurement.
The US-based satellite manufacturer and Earth observation data provider Planet announced on 12 January that it had signed a contract with the Swedish Armed Forces. According to the announcement, the “multi-year low 9-figure” contract will see the company deliver a “suite of satellites, space-based data and awareness solutions.”
“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,” said Planet CEO Will Marshall.
Finnish satellite manufacturer and Earth observation data provider ICEYE announced its own “multi-million, multi-year agreement” with the Swedish Armed Forces on 12 January. The contract includes the satellites and the associated ground and technical systems required to establish a space-based surveillance and intelligence capability owned and operated by the Swedish Armed Forces.
According to the announcement from the Swedish government, delivery of its ten satellites is expected to begin in 2026 and continue until 2028.
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