NanoAvionics developing Surveillance Satellite for European Defense Forces' use
In a significant move towards bolstering European defense capabilities, NanoAvionics, a Lithuania-based smallsat manufacturer, has partnered with Eycore, a Polish synthetic aperture radar (SAR) developer, to build a demo spy satellite. The project, scheduled for launch in spring 2026, aims to establish a sovereign, military-grade SAR constellation offering global coverage and frequent revisits for NATO and European state militaries.
NanoAvionics, which was acquired by Kongsberg in 2022, has delivered around 120 missions for customers since its inception in 2014. The company's partnership with Eycore positions it as a key strategic player in the field, particularly given Eycore's focus on operational resilience and decades of radar expertise.
Poland, currently the largest per capita defense spender in NATO, has shown increased investment in defense due to evolving geopolitical circumstances. The proximity of Poland and Lithuania to the conflict in Ukraine and Russia's borders has heightened their interest in defense efforts. The collaboration between NanoAvionics and Eycore is a response to the rising demand for domestically controlled, all-weather Earth observation across Europe.
Maciej Klemm, cofounder and CEO of Eycore, emphasized the importance of sovereign access to earth observation data for defense users. He stated, "This project is a significant step towards ensuring European defense forces have the autonomy and self-reliance they need in the context of ongoing conflicts and tensions."
The successful launch and operation of the SAR satellite constellation could pave the way for a more autonomous European defense capability. It could potentially reduce Europe's reliance on US intelligence for military operations, especially given that Ukraine has been largely dependent on US intelligence due to limited Earth Observation resources within Europe.
The development of this constellation is part of a broader trend of defense investment across Europe, driven by worsening relations with the United States, particularly during the Trump administration. The collaboration between NanoAvionics and Eycore is a testament to this trend, as it seeks to strengthen national security and resilience.
The satellite, scheduled to launch in early 2026, will provide radar imagery with submeter resolution, enabling the detection of ground movements day and night, in all weather conditions. This capability is crucial for monitoring potential threats and maintaining operational resilience in various scenarios.
In summary, the partnership between NanoAvionics and Eycore marks an important milestone in the development of European defense capabilities. The successful launch and operation of the SAR satellite constellation could pave the way for a more autonomous European defense capability, reducing reliance on US intelligence and enhancing operational resilience in the face of evolving geopolitical circumstances.
