Nokia and Iceye to make low-orbit satellite systems for defence, security

OSLO, Oct 1 (Reuters) - Nokia and Iceye will develop satellite communications systems for governments and defence contractors, supporting missions from military and border security to emergency services and disaster response, the companies said on Thursday.

The partnership will deliver secure, sovereign and high-performance broadband low Earth orbit (LEO) communications systems, with the first satellites expected to be launched in 2028, the companies said in a statement.

"Built on trusted European technology, the jointly developed satellite communications systems will give nations ownership and control of the satellites, ground segment and terminals," Nokia and Iceye said.

Among rivals in low Earth orbit systems is Starlink, owned by US group SpaceX.

(Reporting by Terje Solsvik, editing by Louise Rasmussen)