---
title: "Nokia and ICEYE to Help Ukraine Build Sovereign Communication Alternative"
description: "Ukraine's Ministry of Defense signed a memorandum with Finland's Nokia and ICEYE to create a sovereign secure satellite communication system for the military."
date: 2026-10-23T02:50:18.862Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/nokia-and-iceye-to-help-ukraine
tags: [ukraine, nokia, iceye, starlink, space-communication, defense-tech]
author: "Alexander Buran"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Nokia and ICEYE to Help Ukraine Build Sovereign Communication Alternative

![Modern communication satellite against the background of planet Earth in outer space](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/23/nokia-i-iceye-pomogut-ukraine-sozdat-svyaz/nokia-i-iceye-pomogut-ukraine-sozdat-svyaz-1.webp)

## Key Points

- Ukraine's Defense Ministry signed a space cooperation memorandum with Nokia and ICEYE
- The project aims to create a secure satellite communication network fully controlled by Ukraine
- The initiative seeks to reduce dependence on foreign commercial providers like Starlink
- The project covers control over satellites, ground infrastructure, and user terminals

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has signed a letter of intent with Finnish companies ICEYE and Nokia regarding space cooperation aimed at establishing a secure sovereign satellite communication system. The document was concluded on October 22 during the visit of Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo to Kyiv, marking the first step in exploring cooperation opportunities without finalized timelines or funding.

### New Space Initiative to Ensure Security

In early October, ICEYE and Nokia officially announced the joint development of secure low-Earth orbit satellite broadband communications. A key feature of the project is that the customer state will fully own and operate the entire infrastructure, including satellites, ground stations, and user terminals. Such a sovereign network is essential for defense, border security, emergency services, and disaster relief operations.

ICEYE CEO and co-founder Rafał Modrzewski stressed that Ukraine urgently needs independent and high-performance satellite communication systems under its own control. Meanwhile, Nokia Defense head Mikko Hautala highlighted the crucial role of space networks in maintaining communication resilience when ground infrastructure is damaged by combat operations.

### Context of Satellite Communication Restrictions

The need to create a domestic alternative to commercial providers has escalated amid recent issues with existing data transmission channels. Starting from the night of October 14, terminals on Ukrainian drones faced connection speed limits of up to 160 kilometers per hour, which were lifted only a week later. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, citing specialized agencies, linked these measures to the White House's stance and pressure on Kyiv.

Simultaneously, American lawmakers have intervened in the situation surrounding communication systems. A group of 23 congressmen appealed to US President Donald Trump with an official request to influence service owner Elon Musk to grant Ukraine full and unobstructed access to the network.

### Significance of the Project for Ukraine's Strategic Independence

Developing independent secure space infrastructure in partnership with European technology companies marks a transition to a new stage of technological sovereignty for the Ukrainian state. Full control over the orbital constellation and ground terminals minimizes the risks of external interference or politically motivated communication restrictions. Implementing this project will strengthen the country's defense capabilities and ensure stable management of critical facilities under any conditions.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [Nokia поможет Украине создать собственную альтернативу Starlink для армии](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/nokia-dopomozhe-ukrayini-stvoriti-vlasnu-1792723615.html) - Primary source confirms the signing of the memorandum between the Ukrainian MoD, Nokia, and ICEYE regarding sovereign satellite communications.
- [The Telegraph: Европа поможет Украине создать альтернативу системе ПВО Patriot](https://www.business-gazeta.ru/news/704260) - Подтверждено по источнику business-gazeta.ru
- [Британия и ЕС создадут для Украины европейский аналог системы Patriot](https://mignews.com/news/politic/britaniya-i-es-sozdadut-dlya-ukrainy-evropejskij-analog-sistemy-patriot.html) - Подтверждено по источнику mignews.com

## FAQ

### Who signed the cooperation memorandum on behalf of Ukraine?

The agreement was signed by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine together with Finnish companies ICEYE and Nokia.

### What is the primary goal of the new satellite system?

The main goal is to establish a secure, sovereign, and fully controlled satellite communication system for defense and emergency services.

### When was the letter of intent signed?

The letter of intent was signed on October 22 during the visit of Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo to Kyiv.