> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.adriadefense.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Ukraine, ICEYE and Nokia Explore Sovereign Military Satellite Communications - URL: https://www.adriadefense.com/ukraine-iceye-and-nokia-explore-sovereign-military-satellite-communications/ - Published: 2026-10-23T15:45:47.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-23T15:45:47.000Z - Description: Ukraine signs a letter of intent with Nokia and ICEYE to explore sovereign military satellite communications, building on European LEO technology. - Author: AdriaDefense Desk - Tags: Ukraine, Finland, Industry **Ukraine's Ministry of Defense has signed a letter of intent with Finnish companies ICEYE and Nokia to explore the development of secure satellite communications under Ukrainian control, extending an existing partnership in space-based defense capabilities.** Ukraine's Ministry of Defense, ICEYE and Nokia Defense signed the agreement on October 22, 2026, during the Ukraine–Finland Business Forum in Kyiv, attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo. The proposed cooperation focuses on developing sovereign satellite communications capabilities, potentially giving Ukraine greater control over the infrastructure supporting military connectivity. According to the companies, the initiative builds on a separate partnership announced on October 1 to develop secure broadband communications systems using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. ## European Satellite Communications Under National Control The ICEYE–Nokia partnership is designed to provide government customers with ownership and operational control of their satellites, ground infrastructure and user terminals. Unlike conventional commercial satellite communications services, the proposed sovereign model would allow participating governments to operate communications infrastructure according to their own national security requirements. The systems are intended to provide high-throughput, low-latency communications for defense operations, border security, emergency services and disaster response. ICEYE will contribute its experience in satellite development and sovereign space missions, while Nokia will provide secure networking technology and communications infrastructure. The companies expect their first jointly developed communications satellites to launch in 2028\. That timetable applies to the broader ICEYE–Nokia development program, and no separate deployment schedule for Ukraine has been announced. ## Building on ICEYE's Existing Cooperation With Ukraine ICEYE has supported Ukraine's defense forces with satellite intelligence since 2022, when an agreement with the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation provided the Ukrainian government with access to synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite imaging. The partnership expanded in July 2024 through a memorandum of cooperation with Ukraine's Ministry of Defense, followed by an agreement involving Rheinmetall to provide additional satellite reconnaissance data. The latest initiative would extend cooperation from satellite-based intelligence collection into military communications. The distinction is significant. SAR satellites are designed to collect radar imagery for intelligence and surveillance, whereas communications satellites provide connectivity between users, command systems and other military infrastructure. ## Agreement Signed During Finnish Prime Minister's Visit The satellite communications agreement was among seven documents signed during the Ukraine–Finland Business Forum on October 22. Other agreements covered unmanned systems, defense manufacturing, industrial cooperation and transport. President Zelenskyy said Ukraine and Finland had discussed expanding cooperation in satellite capabilities, including opportunities involving Nokia and ICEYE. Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and co-founder of ICEYE, emphasized the need for Ukraine to control its own secure satellite communications infrastructure. Nokia Defense Chairman Mikko Hautala highlighted the importance of resilient connectivity when terrestrial networks are disrupted. The letter of intent does not constitute a satellite procurement contract. The companies have not disclosed a project value, funding arrangement, number of satellites or implementation timetable specific to Ukraine. The next steps will depend on whether the exploratory cooperation develops into a defined technical program and binding procurement agreements.