Greece Bolsters Disaster Response and Security with Iceye SAR Satellite Deal

Athens, Greece – In a move to enhance national security and disaster management, the Greek government has partnered with Finnish-based Iceye to acquire a sovereign synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite system. The agreement, signed on September 8th, falls under the Greek National Satellite Space Project Axis 1.2 (radar program) and involves the Greek Space Agency, the Ministry of Digital Governance, and the European Space Agency (ESA).

This strategic collaboration will provide Greece with a two-pronged approach to SAR capabilities. While Iceye develops and delivers two dedicated SAR satellites for Greece, the country will gain immediate access to Iceye's existing satellite constellation. This "see-now, build-later" strategy allows Greece to immediately leverage the power of persistent monitoring for critical areas of interest, bolstering its ability to respond to natural catastrophes and other emergencies.

Iceye's SAR technology is particularly valuable for Greece due to its ability to provide high-resolution imagery regardless of weather conditions or time of day, a crucial factor in effective disaster response.

"This project significantly elevates Greece's capabilities in disaster management and national security," stated Dimitris Papastergiou, Greece’s Minister of Digital Governance. "Iceye's SAR satellites will grant us unprecedented insights, enabling quicker response times and more effective management of natural disasters like floods. This partnership underlines our commitment to employing cutting-edge space technology to safeguard our citizens' well-being."

The agreement signifies a significant step forward for Greece in establishing its space presence and utilizing advanced space-based solutions for national security and citizen safety.