Portugal strengthens Atlantic monitoring by expanding satellite surveillance network

Portugal is expanding its space-based surveillance capabilities with the acquisition of two additional synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, strengthening its ability to monitor the Atlantic Ocean and the country’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) (currently at 1.7 million sq kms).

The new satellites have been purchased from Finnish space technology company ICEYE under a contract signed by CTI Aeroespacial, a joint venture created by the Portuguese Air Force and CEiiA, the Centre for Engineering and Product Development, based in Évora.

The acquisition will increase Portugal’s ICEYE-built satellite constellation to four spacecraft.

The country’s first sovereign SAR satellite was launched in March 2026 and is already being used in national operations.

The two newly-acquired satellites were recently inspected by Portuguese military personnel at ICEYE’s production facilities in Espoo and are ready for delivery.

According to ICEYE, the expanded constellation will allow the Air Force to collect Earth observation data more rapidly and frequently, significantly enhancing surveillance of the Atlantic maritime domain and Portugal’s EEZ.

The technology is expected to support a wide range of missions, including maritime security, defence operations, environmental monitoring, natural resource management and disaster response.

“Those who can see clearly can act faster, and Portugal is building the sovereign capability needed to do so,” said Jordi Laguarda, ICEYE’s Vice President for Missions in Spain and Portugal. He added that the expanded constellation would improve observation frequency and response times required for both modern defence and civil protection missions.

Chief of Staff of the Portuguese Air Force, General Sérgio da Costa Pereira, described the investment as strategically important.

“This acquisition strengthens Portugal’s freedom of action. The expanded SAR capability improves readiness for defence and security missions while also supporting broader national objectives, including environmental monitoring and safeguarding natural resources,” he said.

ICEYE argues that space-based intelligence has become an operational necessity for European countries as security concerns and technological sovereignty become increasingly important. The company is currently accelerating the delivery of complete space intelligence systems to seven European nations, including Portugal, supported by a recent Series F funding round.

SAR technology allows high-resolution imaging of the Earth’s surface regardless of weather conditions, cloud cover or daylight, making it a invaluable tool.

The latest investment forms part of Portugal’s broader strategy to develop sovereign space capabilities and strengthen its role in monitoring one of Europe’s most strategically important maritime regions.

Source: Executive Digest/ ICEYE

Natasha Donn

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.