German defence technology group Rheinmetall and ICEYE, the Finnish satellite-based synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging specialist, have established a joint venture called Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions, the two companies announced on 7 November 2025.
The corresponding agreement was signed in Berlin by Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger and ICEYE CEO and co-founder Rafał Modrzewski and followed the announcement in May 2025 that such a joint venture would be created.
Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions is based in Neuss, Germany, with Rheinmetall holding 60% of its shares while ICEYE holds 40%. The joint venture will commence operations in 2025, with the first satellite to be manufactured locally in 2026.
Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions addresses the sharp increase in recent years in the demand for space-based reconnaissance capabilities among armed forces and security forces worldwide. As part of the co-operation between Rheinmetall and ICEYE, SAR satellites are already providing reconnaissance images for Ukraine’s defence against the invading Russian forces.
ICEYE owns the world’s largest SAR satellite constellation.
SAR satellites offer an advantage over conventional satellites as they can generate high-resolution images regardless of weather conditions or time of day.
“Parts of Rheinmetall’s plant in the Lower-Rhine region have recently been transferred from the civilian Power Systems division to the group’s military business. By establishing Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions, employees at the Neuss site can also look at promising prospects,” Rheinmetall stated in a press release.
