ICEYE Enters India’s Defence-Space Sector, Plans Local Satellite Manufacturing

New Delhi: Finnish satellite company ICEYE has formally established an Indian entity in New Delhi, expanding its presence in one of the world’s major defence and space markets. The company plans to use the new entity to work with Indian defence and intelligence customers while developing local capabilities for satellite manufacturing, sourcing and engineering.

The announcement came as India marked National Space Day on August 23, which commemorates the Chandrayaan-3 landing on the Moon. 

ICEYE said its immediate focus in India will be to provide access to its space-based intelligence capabilities and engage with the country’s wider defence and space ecosystem. This will include working with local suppliers and technology partners, as well as exploring opportunities in technology validation and supply-chain development.

The company is also looking to move beyond supplying satellite-based intelligence and establish a manufacturing footprint in India.

ICEYE said its Indian entity will serve as the platform for its plans to build satellite production capabilities in the country. The planned manufacturing activity is expected to cater to defence, surveillance and environmental monitoring requirements, with the company looking to use Indian suppliers, local sourcing and engineering talent.

ICEYE CEO and co-founder Rafał Modrzewski said the company wants to build engineering and manufacturing capabilities in India while supporting the country’s push for greater control over its own space-based intelligence.

About ICEYE

ICEYE specializes in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites that can capture images of the Earth even in darkness or through clouds. This makes the technology useful for monitoring areas where conventional optical satellites may be limited by weather or a lack of daylight.

The ability to capture imagery through clouds and in darkness gives SAR technology clear applications in defence and security. It can help track activity and changes on the ground when conventional optical satellites may not be able to provide clear images.

ICEYE operates what it describes as the world’s largest SAR satellite constellation and provides satellite-based intelligence to governments, as well as customers working in environmental monitoring, insurance and emergency management.

The company’s decision to establish an Indian entity comes as it expands its engagement with India’s growing private space industry.

ICEYE has already been working with Indian space companies. In June, the company signed an agreement with Chennai-based Agnikul Cosmos to explore building, launching and operating SAR Earth-observation systems from India, combining ICEYE’s radar-imaging technology with Agnikul’s launch capabilities.

ICEYE’s plans also come as India works to expand the role of private companies in its space sector and strengthen local manufacturing. Government data shows that 108 authorizations had been granted to non-government entities for space activities by July 2026, while the sector attracted $187 million in investment during the year.

India has been steadily opening its space sector to private companies. The Indian Space Policy 2023 opened the entire space value chain to non-government entities, from satellite manufacturing and launch services to space-based applications. As per the report, the country’s space startup ecosystem has grown from just one startup in 2014 to more than 400 in 2026.

ICEYE’s India entry comes against this backdrop, with the company looking to build a presence that goes beyond providing satellite intelligence. Its plans bring together space-based intelligence, defence applications and local satellite manufacturing, while creating opportunities for Indian suppliers and engineers to become part of its production network