Finnish space technology company ICEYE and French aerospace group Safran have launched a strategic partnership to develop advanced AI-driven solutions for geospatial intelligence (GEOINT).
The collaboration aims to boost government capabilities in defense and intelligence by combining Safran.AI’s expertise in vision-based artificial intelligence with ICEYE’s high-resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite imagery.
ICEYE operates the world’s largest commercial SAR satellite constellation. Unlike optical satellites, SAR systems can deliver high-resolution imagery, down to 25 centimeters, day or night, and in any weather conditions. This makes them critical assets for persistent surveillance, rapid response, and strategic military planning.
AI-powered satellite imagery analysis
Safran.AI, a subsidiary of Safran Electronics & Defense, develops AI-powered data fusion platforms capable of analyzing multi-source satellite imagery, including electro-optical and SAR data. The collaboration will enable near real-time image analysis and object classification, helping governments make faster, more informed decisions.
“This partnership with Safran.AI allows us to maximize the value of our SAR data by integrating cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies,” said Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and Co-Founder of ICEYE. “By adding ICEYE SAR imagery to Safran’s analytic capabilities, we bring together the industry’s best imagery with the industry’s best multi-sensor image exploitation capability.”
In March 2025, Safran.AI was reportedly contracted to provide Ukraine’s military intelligence directorate (GUR) with a satellite imagery analysis platform. At the same time, ICEYE pledged commercial SAR imagery in support of Ukraine’s defense. These technologies have become vital in Kyiv’s efforts to track Russian troop movements, identify high-value targets, assess battlefield damage, and refine operational tactics in near real time.
