Ukraine Partners with Nokia and ICEYE on Satellite Communications

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence signed a Letter of Intent with Finnish technology firms Nokia and ICEYE on 22 October 2026 to explore the development of a sovereign satellite communications system. The announcement came during Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s visit to Kyiv, where he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The proposed system is intended to reduce Ukraine’s reliance on foreign-controlled satellite networks, including Starlink.

The proposed cooperation

The Letter of Intent sets out exploratory cooperation; it is not a binding procurement or deployment contract. No prices, delivery schedules or terminal quantities have been disclosed. The proposed system would give participating governments ownership and control of satellites, ground infrastructure and user terminals.

The initiative follows disruptions to satellite communications that affected battlefield communications, drone operations and air defence. Nokia and ICEYE had announced a separate partnership on 1 October 2026 to develop secure, high-performance broadband low Earth orbit (LEO) systems for governments using European technology. ICEYE has supported Ukraine since 2022. The first satellite for the jointly developed systems is planned for launch in 2028.

Satellite communications and LEO

A satellite communications network transmits data between user terminals through satellites and ground infrastructure. A satellite network commonly includes a space segment, a ground segment and user equipment. LEO refers to orbits at altitudes of up to about 2,000 kilometres above Earth. Satellites in LEO move rapidly relative to the ground, so networks generally use multiple satellites to provide continuing coverage.

Geostationary satellites orbit approximately 35,786 kilometres above the equator and appear fixed over a point on Earth. LEO satellites operate much closer to Earth than geostationary satellites. Network coverage and service depend on satellites, ground facilities and compatible terminals.

Agreements and implementation status

During Orpo’s visit, Finland and Ukraine also signed seven agreements covering defence, unmanned systems, transport and construction. Their stated combined value was approximately €300 million to €330 million. The satellite project remains at the exploratory stage, with no deployment contract announced.

Important Facts for Exams

• LEO satellites orbit at altitudes of up to about 2,000 kilometres above Earth.
• Geostationary satellites orbit approximately 35,786 kilometres above the equator.
• A Letter of Intent is distinct from a binding procurement or deployment contract in this initiative.
• The first satellite in the Nokia–ICEYE programme is planned for launch in 2028.

Nokia and ICEYE are Finnish technology firms involved in the proposed cooperation. The Ukraine–Finland agreements signed during Orpo’s visit numbered seven.