ICEYE and Nokia to explore sovereign satellite communications for Ukraine
ICEYE and Nokia have signed a letter of intent with Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence to explore cooperation on satellite communications. The aim is to give Ukraine satellite communications that it controls itself.
The letter of intent was announced on 22 October, during the Finnish Prime Minister’s visit to Ukraine, according to a press release from Nokia.
“Modern warfare has proven that reliable communications are a matter of national security. We must all rely on capabilities that we can control,” says Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine.
Earlier this month, the two Finnish companies announced a partnership to develop secure broadband satellite communications systems in low Earth orbit (LEO) for governments. The systems are built on European technology and are designed to give nations ownership and control of the satellites, the ground segment and the terminals. They are intended for uses ranging from defence and border security to emergency services and disaster response.
“Satellite networks extend and protect connectivity when networks on the ground are disrupted. This makes them a key part of any secure communications system,” says Mikko Hautala, Chief Geopolitical & Government Relations Officer and Chairman of Nokia Defense.
The letter of intent commits the parties to exploring cooperation. It is not a supply agreement, and the press release gives no timeline, scope or value.
