Nokia and ICEYE to study sovereign satellite communications for Ukraine

Nokia and ICEYE have signed a letter of intent with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense to explore the development of sovereign satellite communications. The initiative aims to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities by establishing satellite systems over which the country maintains direct control.

The proposed cooperation focuses on low Earth orbit (LEO) broadband systems utilizing European technology. Unlike standard connectivity services, this framework intends to provide national ownership and control over three critical infrastructure components: the satellites, the ground segment, and user terminals.

Announced on October 22, 2026, during the Finnish Prime Minister's visit to Ukraine, the agreement serves as a framework for research. The current document does not specify a budget, implementation timeline, technical architecture, or the number of satellites involved. ICEYE CEO Rafal Modrzewski noted that Ukraine requires secure, high-performance satellite connectivity that it can manage independently, particularly when terrestrial networks are disrupted.