ICEYE, Operating the World’s Largest Small SAR Satellite Constellation for Defense and Disaster Response, Establishes New German Subsidiary ICEYE Germany

ICEYE, operating the world’s largest small SAR satellite constellation to support defense and disaster resilience, today announced the establishment of its German subsidiary, ICEYE Germany, based in Berlin and Munich, with Philipp Hellermann appointed as Managing Director.

ICEYE Germany will expand ICEYE’s presence in Germany—one of Europe’s most critical hubs for defense and industrial innovation—by manufacturing satellite components, developing advanced software, and establishing new centers for artificial intelligence and intelligence operations. The establishment also strengthens the strategic partnership with Rheinmetall, a German-based defense industry leader. Through the joint venture Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions (RISS), the two companies will advance sovereign space capabilities across Europe.

Philipp Hellermann, newly appointed Managing Director of ICEYE Germany, has been leading the subsidiary’s formation since early 2026. With prior experience at Google, EU Inc, and Entrepreneur First, Hellermann brings extensive expertise in launching and supporting deep-tech ventures across Europe. He oversees sovereign intelligence programs, AI and satellite R&D, and the strategic collaboration with Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions.

ICEYE designs, builds, and operates one of the world’s largest small SAR satellite constellations, delivering continuous intelligence to governments and customers worldwide, regardless of weather or time of day. Having already delivered sovereign satellite systems to seven European countries, ICEYE has established itself as a leading provider in European space-based intelligence.

Rafal Modzelewski, Co-Founder and CEO of ICEYE, commented:

"ICEYE is a true European success story. Founded by a Pole and a Finn who met through the Erasmus exchange program and supported by EU Horizon funding, our strong European roots continue to shape our growth. Establishing ICEYE Germany strengthens our successful partnership and marks our next step in long-term commitment to Germany."

Philipp Hellermann, Managing Director of ICEYE Germany, added:

"Germany plays a central role in Europe’s ambitions for sovereign defense and space capabilities, as well as in ICEYE’s identity as a technology company. Germany offers exceptional engineering talent, strong industrial partners, and a mission-driven culture to build the foundation of Europe’s sovereign intelligence. What we are building is precisely that foundation—delivered through an integrated platform via Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions."

About ICEYE

ICEYE is a Finland-based leader in small synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology. With one of the world’s largest SAR satellite constellations, ICEYE provides objective, near real-time insights, ensuring unparalleled access to actionable data day and night, even under extreme environmental conditions.

As a trusted partner to governments and commercial industries worldwide, ICEYE delivers intelligence across defense and intelligence, insurance, disaster response and recovery, security, maritime monitoring, and finance—supporting decisions that enhance community resilience and sustainable development. In addition to its Japanese subsidiary, ICEYE operates globally with offices in Finland, Poland, Spain, the UK, Australia, UAE, Greece, and the United States. Over 1,000 employees work together under a shared vision: to improve life on Earth by becoming the true data provider for Earth observation.

For more information, visit https://www.iceye.com/ja-jp/.