ICEYE, the global leader in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite operations, and the Portuguese Air Force (Força Aérea Portuguesa) are pleased to announce the signing and entry into force of a contract for the direct procurement of a SAR satellite. This marks the first time the Portuguese Air Force will directly acquire a satellite, representing a significant milestone in Portugal’s national ISR defense capabilities from space.
Credit: ICEYE
Under the agreement, ICEYE will deliver a state-of-the-art SAR satellite to the Portuguese Air Force. ICEYE’s SAR technology provides unique advantages, including all-weather, day-and-night imaging and rapid revisit rates, ensuring persistent and reliable monitoring regardless of environmental conditions.
This acquisition will provide the Air Force with enhanced capabilities for persistent surveillance, situational awareness, and national security. It supports Portugal’s broader ambitions in space and defense modernization. Direct satellite ownership will empower the Portuguese Air Force with full control and flexibility over data acquisition and mission planning, enabling rapid response to military missions, maritime security challenges, environmental monitoring, and the safeguarding of national interests, including the protection of Portugal’s Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) and natural resources.
Jordi Laguarda, VP Missions Spain and Portugal, at ICEYE said: “This agreement represents a major step forward in strengthening Portugal’s sovereign space capabilities and demonstrates the Air Force’s commitment to innovation and operational excellence. We are proud to support the Portuguese Air Force as they advance their mission in the new space domain.”
Chief of Staff of the Portuguese Air Force, General João Cartaxo Alves, said: “This is a historic moment for Portugal in general and for the Portuguese Air Force in particular. By acquiring its own capabilities to operate in space, the Air Force enters a new dimension, where Space has replaced the sky as the new operational frontier. This technological innovation strengthens the autonomous capacity of the Air Force to ensure permanent surveillance of the national territory – on land, at sea, and in the air – under any weather conditions. It will enhance the Air Force’s ability to conduct military operations with greater precision and effectiveness, while also supporting emergency management and the sustainable use of resources.”
This marks the first satellite to be entirely owned by the Portuguese Air Force, and the second to be operated by the Institution. The first was acquired on June 12, when CTI Aeroespacial – a Portuguese technology and innovation center – signed an agreement with ICEYE for the procurement of a SAR satellite to be operated by the Portuguese Air Force.