Rheinmetall Taps Polish Firm SATIM for German Satellite Reconnaissance Program

Rheinmetall has signed an agreement with the Polish company SATIM Monitoring Satelitarny to support a satellite-based reconnaissance program for Germany.

The deal defines SATIM’s role as a technology supplier contributing to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities for the Bundeswehr.

As part of the contract, SATIM will provide artificial intelligence tools designed to process large volumes of synthetic aperture radar imagery and convert them into usable analytical outputs.

The agreement supports SPOCK-1, Germany’s satellite reconnaissance program. The program was awarded to Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions, a joint venture between Rheinmetall and Finnish firm ICEYE, and is based on synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data.

It combines Rheinmetall’s experience in system integration and defense programs with SATIM’s expertise in automated radar image analysis to improve situational awareness and support operational decision-making.

The initiative “marks another important milestone in advancing Rheinmetall’s strategy to strengthen our capabilities and footprint in an increasingly digital and connected battlespace,” stated Timo Haas, CEO of Rheinmetall Electronics.

“By combining our expertise and technologies, we are building a powerful foundation for faster, data-driven decision-making and superior situational awareness for our customers.”

SATIM will deliver its technology as an EU-based supplier, while system operations and control will remain with Rheinmetall in Germany.

Boosting Space Capabilities

Berlin is expanding its military space capabilities through a series of large-scale programs covering both reconnaissance and secure communications.

Earlier this month, Rheinmetall and ICEYE secured a German Armed Forces contract valued at about 1.7 billion euros ($1.9 billion) to provide space-based intelligence through exclusive access to a SAR satellite constellation.

In parallel, Germany is investing in protected satellite communications.

Last year, Airbus won a 2.1-billion-euro ($2.27 billion) contract to develop secure military satellite systems for the Bundeswehr.

The 15-year SATCOMBw 3 program covers the full architecture, including geostationary satellites, ground infrastructure, launch, and long-term operations.