Poland Advances Military Satellite Program Amid Regional Threats

Overview

Poland is making significant strides in its military capabilities by launching its inaugural Earth observation satellites. This initiative is a critical component of the country’s broader strategy to enhance defense readiness in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Launch Details

The deployment of Poland’s first three military satellites is slated for this month. Developed in partnership with Finnish manufacturer ICEYE and Wojskowe Zakłady Łączności No 1, a subsidiary of the state-owned defense conglomerate PGZ, these assets will form the backbone of Poland’s emerging satellite reconnaissance capabilities.

• Satellite Specifications:
  • Type: Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
  • Orbital Deployment: Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
  • Launch Vehicle: SpaceX’s Falcon 9 under the Transporter-15 mission
  • Launch Date Adjustments: Initially set for November 11, coinciding with Poland’s Independence Day, the launch has been postponed to November 19.

Strategic Context

This satellite initiative is driven by Poland’s urgent need to expand its military reconnaissance capabilities amidst increased aggression from Russia in the region.

Polish Deputy National Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk emphasized the significance of this development: “We are establishing essential capabilities that were previously lacking in Polish military operations. This project allows us to join an elite group of nations with advanced military reconnaissance assets.”

Program Highlights

The deal finalized between the Polish Ministry of National Defense and the manufacturer consortium includes:

• Initial Procurement: At least three SAR satellites under the MikroSAR program
• Potential Future Acquisitions: An option to secure three additional satellites
• Contract Value: Approximately PLN 860 million (USD 237 million)

Collaboration with Industry Leaders

Rafał Modrzewski, CEO of ICEYE, highlighted that the deployment of these satellites will grant the Polish military access to an autonomous reconnaissance system, capable of capturing imagery with a remarkable resolution of 25 centimeters.

ICEYE’s collaboration with PGZ reflects a significant partnership within Europe’s defense sector, underscoring its growing influence following a joint venture established in May 2025 with Germany’s Rheinmetall, focusing on satellite manufacturing.

Military Structure and Strategy Enhancements

In conjunction with these satellite efforts, Poland has established the Geospatial Intelligence and Satellite Services Agency. This new entity will be responsible for processing data from military satellites and providing essential services to the armed forces.

• Primary Functions:
  • Satellite Navigation: Aiding in troop movements and logistics
  • Earth Surface Imaging: Facilitating reconnaissance operations
  • Signal Intelligence: Enhancing awareness of enemy communications
  • Satellite Communications: Supporting secure military communications

Col. Leszek Paszkowski, head of the agency, noted that the satellite fleet will serve as “the eyes” of Poland’s military, enabling precision strikes that are central to the country’s deterrent strategy against potential adversaries.

Future Capabilities and Contracts

In addition to the MikroSAR program, Poland is also set to receive two reconnaissance satellites from Airbus, contracted in December 2022, with anticipated launches by 2027. These satellites will augment Poland’s intelligence-gathering capabilities as part of a collaborative constellation with France.

• Contract Value: Approximately €575 million ($669 million)

This investment in military satellite technology underscores Poland’s commitment to enhancing its defense architecture in an increasingly complex security environment. The effective use of satellite technology not only bolsters reconnaissance capabilities but also significantly contributes to Poland’s strategic deterrence posture.