Rheinmetall-ICEYE Space Contract.
Rheinmetall ICEYE German Military Space Reconnaissance Contract: Rheinmetall has secured a major multi-billion-euro contract in the space domain after the German Armed Forces awarded a landmark order for space-based reconnaissance capabilities. The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has commissioned Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions to provide the Bundeswehr with exclusive access to synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite reconnaissance data.
The contract, valued at approximately €1.7 billion gross, covers the delivery of high-volume, persistent SAR imagery from a dedicated satellite constellation. An option to extend the agreement is also included. The capability will primarily support the protection of the German Army’s Lithuania Brigade and contribute to securing NATO’s eastern flank.
To fulfil the requirement, Rheinmetall has partnered with ICEYE, the world’s leading manufacturer and operator of SAR satellites, to establish the joint venture Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions. Based in Neuss, the company will operate a sovereign SAR satellite constellation and deliver a comprehensive service that includes satellite operations, ground station management and AI-supported image analysis. Ownership of the constellation will remain with Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions.
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said the contract reflects growing trust in the company’s space capabilities. “Modern armed forces depend on access to and control of space-based reconnaissance, communications and mission control,” he said, adding that Rheinmetall is working with European partners to strengthen these capabilities.
ICEYE CEO and co-founder Rafal Modrzewski described the agreement as a milestone for both the company and European security. He said the programme demonstrates the shift from vulnerable single systems to resilient satellite constellations capable of delivering timely, actionable intelligence directly to decision-makers.
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The contract runs from the end of 2025 through to the end of 2030, with options for extension. It requires the delivery of a very high number of images per day, enabled by Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions’ own constellation. Production of the first SAR satellites for the joint venture is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2026 at the Neuss site.
Within the Bundeswehr, the programme is known as “SAR Space System for Persistent Operational Tracking Stage 1,” or SPOCK 1. Operating from an altitude of 500 to 600 kilometres, SAR satellites emit radar signals toward the Earth’s surface and process the returning echoes to generate detailed imagery. Unlike optical satellites, SAR systems can operate day and night and see through clouds, smoke, rain and dust, allowing persistent monitoring of rapidly changing situations. The technology can also detect subtle ground changes and deliver image resolutions of up to 16 centimetres.
The deal marks a significant expansion of Germany’s sovereign space-based intelligence capabilities and positions Rheinmetall and ICEYE as key players in Europe’s growing defence space sector.
