ICEYE Introduces ISR Cell to Deliver Real-Time Tactical Satellite Data to the Battlefield

ICEYE has unveiled its latest innovation — the ISR Cell — a containerised, end-to-end system designed to deliver space-based tactical intelligence to defence forces in near-real-time. The launch of ISR Cell marks a shift in how intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) data is delivered and used, with first deliveries slated for early 2026.

What is the ISR Cell

The ISR Cell is a mobile, plug-and-play unit that integrates directly with any ICEYE mission, whether sovereign or operated by ICEYE. It enables local tasking of satellites, downlink of data, AI-assisted analysis, and secure dissemination of intelligence — all from a tactical location rather than centralised command centres.

The design is containerised, meaning it can be deployed rapidly into high-risk zones or serve as a resilient backup to fixed ground systems. In military exercises, it has already proven its capability to compress ISR loops from hours to minutes, enabling commanders at the front lines to act faster.

How It Builds on ICEYE’s Existing Capabilities

ISR Cell is being introduced in tandem with ICEYE’s Generation 4 (Gen4) SAR satellites. These new satellites deliver enhanced imaging quality with double antenna size, more power, and significantly wider swath imaging up to 400 km. They can capture around 500 images per day, with high-resolution performance under all weather and lighting conditions.

By combining ISR Cell with Gen4 satellites, ICEYE offers a full pipeline: local control, rapid imaging, and immediate analysis at the tactical edge.

Strategic Partnerships & Applications

ICEYE has secured contracts with several European defence forces:

• Polish Armed Forces are acquiring three SAR satellites plus mobile ISR infrastructure under the “MikroSAR” programme, valued around €200 million.

• Portuguese Air Force has purchased one SAR satellite and associated ground segment, strengthening its Atlantic Constellation project.

• Royal Netherlands Air Force will receive multiple SAR satellites, ground and mobile segments, and an AI-driven imagery intelligence hub.

• Finnish Defence Forces are expanding their use of ICEYE’s SAR capabilities.

• ICEYE has also agreed to supply SAR data to NATO Allied Command Operations, providing shared situational awareness across the alliance.

Why This Matters: Impacts & Implications

• Faster Decision Cycles: ISR Cell compresses the full chain of tasking, data downlink, analysis, and distribution from hours to minutes.

• Resilience & Redundancy: Deployable and mobile, ISR Cell reduces reliance on fixed sites that are vulnerable to disruption or attack.

• Sovereignty & Control: Nations gain secure, sovereign control over their own tasking and data without depending on outside providers.

• Scalability: With Gen4 satellites and ISR Cell, allied forces can scale coverage across continents and rapidly adapt to crises.

Additional Developments at ICEYE

ICEYE is also expanding its industrial base. A new research and manufacturing facility has been opened in Spain to accelerate SAR and multi-sensor technology development. In Germany, ICEYE and Rheinmetall are forming a joint venture to co-produce satellites, with production expected to start in 2026.

ICEYE’s ISR Cell, backed by Gen4 satellites and European partnerships, represents a leap forward in tactical space intelligence. It transforms strategic-grade intelligence into a tool that can be deployed at the edge of operations, giving commanders critical insight within minutes instead of hours or days.