ICEYE, a Finnish small satellite manufacturer with the world’s largest synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation, is planning to establish a local manufacturing and assembly facility in India.

This move reflects the company’s strategy to expand its footprint in the Indian defence and security market while contributing to the government’s focus on self-reliance in space technology.

ICEYE has already been working with India as part of its Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) grid for border security. The company has provided the Indian government with more than 10,000 SAR images, with the ability to revisit regions up to 20 times per day and a turnaround time of just one day. This high-frequency image acquisition is crucial for continuous monitoring of sensitive borders and military installations.

Sources reveal that ICEYE is now willing to deepen its partnership by offering India full sovereign ownership of its SAR microsatellites. Under this model, ICEYE would design, assemble, and launch satellites before handing over complete operational control to designated Indian authorities. Several other nations have adopted a similar arrangement, gaining sovereign capability without depending entirely on foreign operators.

Unlike traditional optical satellites, SAR satellites use radar waves to generate images regardless of weather conditions, cloud cover, or daylight. This makes them far superior for ISR and disaster response, as they can penetrate heavy clouds, smoke, or dense vegetation. These capabilities significantly enhance India’s strategic and military preparedness by ensuring continuous surveillance even in adverse conditions.

This development also comes at a time when India’s private space ecosystem is accelerating rapidly. A consortium led by Bengaluru-based PixxelSpace has secured a contract from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to design, build, and operate the country’s first fully indigenous commercial Earth Observation satellite series.

The program involves launching a 12-satellite constellation over the next five years, which will complement government and military observation networks while strengthening India’s private-sector space industry.

ICEYE’s move to manufacture in India is strategically important for several reasons. First, it aligns with India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” policy by boosting domestic space capabilities through technology transfer and industrial collaboration.

Second, it provides India with scalable access to a proven microsatellite technology that can be quickly adapted for defence, disaster management, agriculture, and climate monitoring.

Third, it deepens India’s partnerships with global players in the new space economy while supporting the creation of sovereign-controlled assets critical to national security.

By combining ICEYE’s expertise in SAR satellites with India’s growing space-tech ecosystem, the country is poised to enhance its Earth observation and ISR capabilities significantly. The partnership will likely see multiple launches and the gradual indigenisation of critical assembly processes. 

Alongside initiatives like PixxelSpace’s constellation, India is moving toward becoming not only a strong consumer but also a global leader in satellite-based intelligence and Earth observation solutions.

Agencies