On Wednesday, May 14, 2025, the consortium of the Polish-Finnish company ICEYE and Military Communication Works No. 1 (Wojskowe Zakłady Łączności Nr. 1, WZŁ-1; a member of the Polish Armaments Group) signed a contract worth approximately 860 million PLN gross with the State Treasury – Armament Agency, acting on behalf of the Ministry of National Defence, for the delivery of a SAR Satellite Earth Observation System, codenamed MikroSAR, to the Polish Armed Forces. ICEYE, as the consortium leader, is responsible for delivering the space segment (three satellites). Military Communication Works No. 1, as a consortium member, will provide the ground segment, including a satellite antenna mounted on a trailer. The contract also includes an option to purchase an additional three satellites and a Mobile Ground Segment.
Photo: Master Corporal Wojciech Król/MOND
The ceremony was attended, among others, by Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, as well as Deputy Ministers of National Defence Paweł Bejda and Cezary Tomczyk, and the Head of the Armament Agency, Brigadier General Artur Kuptel.
Under the signed contract, the Polish Armed Forces will acquire advanced reconnaissance capabilities based on ICEYE radar satellites. SAR satellites enable continuous monitoring of the Earth’s surface regardless of the time of day or weather conditions, which distinguishes them from optical-electronic satellite instruments. The acquisition of radar satellites will significantly enhance the versatility and effectiveness of the Polish Armed Forces’ reconnaissance system, providing a more complete picture of the operational situation.
As mentioned, the total value of the order is approximately 860 million PLN gross, with the guaranteed part covering the purchase of three satellites, and the optional part covering another three. The launch of the first satellite is planned for 2025, with the remaining ones scheduled for 2026. All satellites will be placed in a sun-synchronous orbit (SSO), which, due to its orbital parameters, allows for convenient acquisition of imaging data. The number of satellites, combined with systems previously acquired by the Polish Armed Forces, will ensure a low revisit interval. The detailed specifications of the system are classified.
Under the contract, the Polish Armed Forces will acquire satellites based on the satellite platform developed by ICEYE, which enables image acquisition for the detection, reconnaissance, and identification of objects, regardless of the time of day or weather conditions, thanks to its radar sensor. In addition, the contract includes the acquisition of a ground segment responsible for two-way communication with the satellites and the processing of imaging data.
“This is a great day for the Polish Armed Forces and for Poland, as we are gaining full independence in radar reconnaissance and imaging. We are proud that a Pole founded a company like ICEYE. We are also confident that we are acquiring capabilities that are truly world-leading. Freedom and independence can only be defended through self-reliance and innovation, and the technologies we are acquiring today have not only military but also economic significance,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
“Imaging is the foundation of effective defense, as demonstrated, among other things, by the situation in Ukraine. No one on NATO’s eastern flank possesses these capabilities. This is the best technology in the world. It’s not only the best capability — it’s also the fastest-acquired capability,” said Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz after the contract was signed.
As the Minister of National Defence emphasized, the signed contract brings benefits not only to the Polish military but also to other sectors of the state.
“We are gaining unique imaging capabilities for operations in the field, on the battlefield, but also in areas critical to the security of Poland’s economy — agriculture, forestry, and many other sectors,” said Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz.
“I am pleased that ICEYE will strengthen Poland’s defense capabilities by providing the Polish Armed Forces with state-of-the-art SAR satellites. Our advanced, operationally proven satellite system delivers actionable intelligence to decision-makers, enabling them to prepare and respond effectively in an environment full of challenges and uncertainty. ICEYE is a European provider of reconnaissance systems, which makes us an ideal supplier of sovereign ISR solutions — although the architecture of our system has also been designed with resource sharing and collective task execution in mind. This allows, when needed, for the optimal use of combined constellation capabilities and a faster reinforcement of collective space-domain defense capacities among European nations and their allies,” said Rafał Modrzewski, CEO and co-founder of ICEYE.
Deputy Minister of National Defence Paweł Bejda, who was present at the conference, emphasized that the 860 million PLN contract with Polish companies fulfills the government’s commitment to allocate 50% of defense spending to domestic industry.
“This year, the first satellite for the Polish Armed Forces will be launched into space. The Polish-Finnish company — this Polish-Finnish cooperation — is about building elite capabilities in the field of security,” said Deputy Minister Cezary Tomczyk.
Cooperation with the Polish Armaments Group
Military Communication Works No. 1, a member of the Polish Armaments Group, is involved in the execution of the contract as a member of the consortium. Thanks to this cooperation, the Polish Armed Forces will receive an advanced Mobile Satellite Reconnaissance Platform ISR, whose capabilities were showcased during the 2024 International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO). The solution developed by WZŁ-1 integrates communication and data transmission systems, security and power systems, as well as a dedicated antenna system, ensuring fast and effective distribution of information to relevant recipients at all levels of command. All components will be integrated into a specially equipped, transportable container (MSPO 2024: PGZ, WZŁ-1 and ICEYE Poland demonstrate the Mobile Satellite Reconnaissance Platform ISR).
“Satellite reconnaissance is something without which it is hard to imagine the modern battlefield. Just as important as the system of satellites orbiting in space is the ability to collect, transmit, and process the data they gather in real time, so it can be of maximum use to the combat units on the ground. The solution offered by WZŁ-1 to the military meets all these expectations,” said Arkadiusz Bąk, Member of the Management Board of PGZ.
“MikroSAR is a major undertaking, but above all, it is proof that we are ready to carry out complex projects of strategic importance to the state. Our participation is no coincidence — it is the result of the competencies we have built together over 70 years of our existence. I am proud of the WZŁ-1 S.A. team and grateful to all employees for their professionalism and dedication. The solution we have developed has made the platform fully compatible with the communication systems currently used by the Polish Armed Forces. The concept of the Mobile Platform includes solutions that meet the requirements of the modern battlefield,” added Sławomir Obszyński, President of the Management Board of WZŁ-1.
Capabilities Developed In Poland
The research and development laboratory and the Satellite Operations Center located in Warsaw, which manage the entire constellation, are key elements of ICEYE’s global operations. The systems installed on every ICEYE satellite are also designed and manufactured in Poland.
ICEYE is the owner and operator of the world’s largest constellation of SAR satellites, providing unrestricted global access and the highest revisit frequency available on the market. The company’s latest SAR satellites offer a resolution of 25 cm, enabling precise object detection and situational awareness regardless of weather or lighting conditions. To date, ICEYE has launched 48 satellites into orbit for its own purposes as well as for clients.
Based on press releases
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