It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

It’s not a storm — it’s the climate

Why Satellites Could Decide the Future of Defense

1 October 2025

In this episode of the Protect Europe Podcast (PEP), Colin and Vesa talk with Pekka Laurila, co-founder of ICEYE, about the company’s ambitious vision for 2035, its current operational focus, and the exciting use cases of its imaging radar technology in the defense sector.

Pekka discusses the scaling of satellite launches, the economics of production, and the dynamics of their growing global team. 

TAKEAWAYS:

  • In 2035, ICEYE aims to be a key player in digital infrastructure.
  • The company has been doubling its revenue every year for the past decade and is currently at the 100M range.
  • Imaging radar technology is revolutionizing defense operations.
  • The number of satellites directly impacts coverage and response times.
  • Economies of scale in satellite production are complex and challenging.
  • The team is approaching 1,000 members, with a significant presence in Finland.
  • Bottlenecks in growth include physical constraints and supply chain issues.