IHI Corporation (“IHI”), the leading Japanese aerospace manufacturer that is developing an Earth-observation satellite constellation, has begun receiving images from satellites launched by with ICEYE, the world leader in sovereign intelligence from space, and is in advanced discussions regarding the provision of this data with both domestic and overseas commercial and government entities.

This is an important operational milestone for the IHI system, which is intended to strengthen Japan’s sovereign space capabilities and to provide better intelligence for the country, its allies and like-minded countries. The first two SAR satellites form part of a procurement contract for four initial satellites and the option to procure a further 20 satellites at a later stage, which was signed with ICEYE in October 2025.

At a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in Europe and the Middle East, demand for persistent maritime domain awareness and more resilient intelligence capabilities is increasing. Space-based SAR data plays a critical role in monitoring vessel activity, protecting critical supply chains and supporting defense operations, reinforcing the strategic value of IHI’s constellation for Japan and its partners.

SAR satellites use radar to produce high-resolution images, regardless of clouds or other atmospheric interference. Two further SAR satellites will be assembled and tested in Japan this summer, ahead of a launch scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.

IHI’s proposed constellation is designed to support security, public, and commercial applications, including target detection and tracking capabilities required for defense operations on land or at sea. In addition to the SAR satellites, IHI’s broader system includes the future integration of additional sensor types: optical, radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), hyperspectral and VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) that is the next generation of AIS (Automatic Identification System) for maritime vessels.


Atsushi Sato , Representative Director and Senior Executive Officer, and President of Aero-Engine, Space & Defense Business Area, IHI, commented: “We are pleased to begin delivering imagery through our partnership with ICEYE, which is an important investment in the future of IHI's ambitions in space. Drawing on our space expertise, we are developing this Earth observation satellite constellation to strengthen Japan’s sovereign space capabilities and contribute to the national security of Japan and its allies.”

Guided by its management philosophy, “Contributing to the development of society through technology”, IHI will leverage its engineering capabilities, and specifically its manufacturing technology, to lead the development of this constellation. IHI will collect and analyze information across multiple domains, including land, sea, air and space, to help realize a safer, more secure society.

[ About IHI ]
IHI Corporation traces its origins to Japan’s first modern shipbuilding facility, established in 1853, and has since grown into one of the country’s leading manufacturers. It has expanded its business ever since, in recent years providing wide-ranging solutions in the four main areas of Resource, Energy and Environment; Social Infrastructure; Industrial Systems and General-purpose Machinery; and Aero Engine, Space and Defense. In the field of satellites, IHI AEROSPACE CO., LTD. provides propulsion systems and devices for space companies. IHI has also worked recently to solve its customers’ problems by engaging in business using satellite information and data.

[ About ICEYE ]
ICEYE is the world leader in sovereign intelligence from space. We deliver persistent monitoring capabilities to detect and respond to changes in any location on Earth.
ICEYE owns the world's largest and most advanced SAR (synthetic aperture radar) satellite constellation. To our customers we provide intelligence with unmatched quality, latency and revisit times, in any weather, day or night. To governments who choose to operate their own constellation we provide this proven capability as a sovereign system.
ICEYE-built constellations serve customers in defense and intelligence, environmental monitoring, insurance and emergency management. We enable fast decisions that contribute to a safer future.
Founded and headquartered in Finland, ICEYE operates globally with over 1,000 employees across Poland, Spain, the UK, Australia, Japan, the UAE, Greece, and the US.
We’re a growing international team of builders. www.iceye.com/joinus

Related Press Releases
22 May 2025 — IHI and ICEYE agree to cooperate to develop earth-observation satellite constellation
https://www.ihi.co.jp/en/all_news/2025/aeroengine_space_defense/1201450_13743.html

16 October 2025 — IHI Signs Satellite Procurement Contract with ICEYE for Earth Observation Constellation
https://www.ihi.co.jp/en/all_news/2025/aeroengine_space_defense/1201692_13743.html

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