Joint venture to build European radar satellites in UAE

Finnish satellite maker ICeye has signed a joint venture to make its radar satellites in the United Arab Emirates and transfer the technology.

The strategic joint venture with Space42 addresses the growing demand for Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite imagery and builds on a collaboration for the production of the first batch of UAE-made Foresight constellation satellites.

The joint venture will act as a vehicle for technology transfer, sovereign & sustainable access to capabilities, and localizing the supply chain in the UAE.

Space42’s new Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) and LEO mission operations facilities in Abu Dhabi will be home to a local SAR ecosystem, hosting the joint venture’s manufacturing operations and Space42’s constellation operation services.

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This joint partnership also serves as a platform for technology transfer and knowledge sharing that will boost local R&D for the UAE to develop its own sovereign SAR payloads. The partnership will also source components and services from existing industrial players in the UAE and build a strong local body of knowledge for the UAE in SAR with the participation of Emirati talent.

“The joint venture is a continuation of our ongoing strategic partnership with ICeye to advance Earth Observation capabilities. It will directly support Space42’s commitment to unlocking the full potential of space and ground systems capabilities, ultimately adding customer value through AI-enabled solutions. It also supports the UAE’s space ambitions by bringing SAR manufacturing to the region, positioning the nation at the forefront of advancing space technology globally,” said Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Bayanat Smart Solutions at Space42.

“This joint venture is expected to bring efficiency in deploying, managing, and operating SAR constellations as Space42 and ICeye join forces to address the market in a coordinated approach,” said Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and Co-founder of ICeye, which makes and launches SAR satellites and also provides Earth Observation (EO) monitoring services.

“We are proud to see our satellite production line extended to manufacture state-of-the-art SAR technologies in the UAE through our partnership with Space42, enhancing the global reach and positive impact of ICEYE’s technology. We are excited to grow ICeye’s local footprint and look forward to accelerating the UAE space program and the local space and SAR capabilities by harnessing the most of both companies’ expertise for the benefit of the people of the UAE.”

The two companies launched the UAE’s first SAR satellite, Foresight-1, in August 2024.