By Stephanie Dwilson | 2026-01-28

Space-based intelligence is rapidly reshaping modern defense strategies and improving decision-making in critical moments by equipping militaries with real-time insights and more detailed information.

By integrating AI and advanced sensors, space-based intelligence systems are providing nations with a tactical advantage in the defense and security arena.

Three new initiatives highlight the rapid movement toward sovereign satellite constellations, advanced AI analytics, and rapid data delivery, while demonstrating the critical role of public-private and international partnerships.

Each underscores the strategic importance that dynamic satellite monitoring will play in future space defense programs.

German access to satellite reconnaissance data

Germany unveiled its first national space security strategy in November, vowing to expand military and civilian capabilities in orbit.

German Armed Forces have since entered into a contract with Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions for exclusive access to reconnaissance data from a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation.

The 1.7 billion EUR ($1.9 billion) contract runs through 2030, with an option to extend.

SAR technology enables high-resolution imaging that can detect subtle changes invisible to the human eye.

This imaging works through a wide variety of weather conditions, from sunny days to dark night skies, clouds, smoke, ash and sandstorms. This level of detail allows for actionable intelligence in real time.

Under this contract, Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions' constellation will provide reconnaissance data that helps protect NATO’s eastern flank.

"Space-based intelligence is the foundational layer of modern defense, but it is no longer just a strategic backdrop -- it is a tactical instrument," ICEYE CEO and cofounder Rafal Modrzewski said in a statement.

"We are driving a necessary evolution where single, vulnerable systems are replaced by resilient constellations that deliver timely, actionable insights directly to decision-makers when they're needed most."

European satellite surveillance constellation

Separately, Germany and Norway are collaborating to establish a sovereign European surveillance and targeting satellite constellation by 2029.

At the heart of the collaboration are three companies: Norwegian company Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, German defense technology company Helsing, and German satellite sensor developer Hensoldt.

The companies will work together to integrate SAR, electro-optical (EO) and radio-frequency (RF) data with AI-driven analytics. Their goal is to give Europe independent space-based intelligence that reduces its reliance on external allies.

"Sovereign monitoring, intelligence, and targeting are fundamental to credible deterrence," Kongsberg president Eirik Lie said in a statement.

"Communication, oversight and connectivity are key to operate defense assets effectively, and Europe needs full control over these capabilities."

"Germany and Norway together possess world-class space and defense industries, and by combining our strengths, we can field the required sovereign capabilities by 2029," Lie said.

Real-time, actionable intelligence from LEO cluster

British multinational company BAE Systems has launched a cluster of satellites (collectively known as Azalea) into low-Earth orbit that combine RF and SAR capabilities, delivering near real-time actionable intelligence.

This will help decision-makers protect critical infrastructure, detect illegal activity at sea, aid armed forces, and support disaster relief.

The Azalea satellite cluster will help protect the United Kingdom and its allies by using AI to convert raw data into quick, actionable intelligence.

"Our Azalea mission reflects the critical role space plays in defense and national security," Andrea Thompson, Group Managing Director at BAE Systems’ Digital Intelligence business, said in a statement.

It offers "a unique vantage point of Earth which enables us to better understand and respond to today’s complex threats," she said.

The satellites demonstrate the strategic role that AI can play in space defense.

"The new satellites, which will use AI to convert raw data into actionable intelligence, represent a significant and welcome investment by BAE Systems in the UK space industry," UK Space Agency CEO Paul Bate said.

The space industry "plays a vital role in driving economic growth and keeping us safe," he said.