The MikroSAR System has been officially handed over by ICEYE to the Polish Armed Forces WZŁ-1 S.A. is responsible for the ground segment of the strategic satellite programme

During a formal ceremony held on 15 May 2026 at the Polish Army Museum in the Warsaw Citadel, the MikroSAR radar satellite reconnaissance system was officially handed over to the Polish Armed Forces. It is a breakthrough moment in the development of Poland’s sovereign satellite reconnaissance capabilities. MikroSAR is one of the most significant technological projects in the area of national security undertaken in recent years.

Just one year after signing the contract with the Ministry of National Defence, the Polish Armed Forces gained the capability to conduct independent satellite surveillance using SAR radars, regardless of weather conditions or time of day. The MikroSAR programme provides the Polish Armed Forces with full independence in acquiring images from anywhere in the world, enhancing their reconnaissance, command and crisis response capabilities.

“The handover of the POLSARIS radar satellite reconnaissance system to the Polish Armed Forces is another important step extending Poland’s modern reconnaissance abilities. We are investing in technologies that strengthen our security, information autonomy and rapid reaction capability. With this Earth observation satellite system, the Polish Armed Forces have acquired a tool of strategic importance,” said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence.

The programme was executed by a consortium led by ICEYE Polska Sp. z o.o. WZŁ-1 S.A., a company of the Polish Armaments Group, was responsible for supplying the ground segment along with mobile infrastructure for receiving, transmitting and secure processing of satellite data.

“The success of the MikroSAR project demonstrates how effectively the army, private industry and state-owned companies can cooperate. We are combining our expertise and potential to strengthen the country’s defence and strategic resilience. WZŁ-1 S.A., a company of the Polish Armaments Group, is participating in this innovative project to extend the capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces. We are particularly satisfied with the fact that the solution developed by WZŁ-1 S.A. integrates communication, data transmission, security, power supply and antenna systems,” said Arkadiusz Bąk, First Vice President of PGZ S.A.”

The role of WZŁ-1 S.A.

WZŁ-1 S.A. is responsible for the development and integration of the ISR Mobile Satellite Reconnaissance Platform. The idea is to integrate communication, data transmission, security, power supply and antenna systems, ensuring rapid and effective provision of reconnaissance data to users at every level of command. All components will be housed in a specially equipped transport container adapted to operational conditions.

“WZŁ-1 S.A.’s participation in the MikroSAR programme confirms our expertise in construction of advanced communication systems and integration of key solutions for the Polish Armed Forces. The project is also an example of effective cooperation within the Polish defence industry on an undertaking of strategic importance for national security. The ground segment we have developed will ensure secure, stable and continuous access to reconnaissance data, which will enable their rapid and effective use. We are proud that WZŁ-1 S.A. plays a significant role in building modern Earth observation capabilities,” said Sławomir Obszyński, President of the Management Board of WZŁ-1 S.A.

Company representatives emphasise that the MikroSAR project demonstrates effective cooperation of Polish defence companies on the implementation of advanced technologies.

Record pace of project execution

The contract for the supply of the SAR earth observation satellite system within the MikroSAR programme was signed between the Armaments Agency and the consortium including ICEYE Polska and WZŁ-1 S.A on 14th May 2025. The contract, with an approximate value of PLN 860 million, covered the delivery of three radar satellites, with an option to purchase three more units, a ground segment, operator training and system support.

Operational readiness was achieved within just one year after the contract was signed. During that time, four radar satellites were launched into orbit, training was provided for military operators, and a series of tests were carried out to confirm the system’s compliance with the operational requirements of the Polish Armed Forces. Based on available data, MikroSAR is among the fastest-deployed satellite programmes worldwide.

“Poland sees more and reacts faster. Regardless of the weather and time of day, radar satellites allow us to constantly monitor the situation along our borders. Modern security is based on information – the one who sees first gains the advantage. Therefore we are developing Poland’s satellite capabilities and investing in technologies that strengthen the Polish Armed Forces,” said Cezary Tomczyk, Secretary of State at the Ministry of National Defence.

The system is supervised by the Geospatial Intelligence and Satellite Services Agency (ARGUS), established by the Ministry of National Defence in 2024. The satellite constellation developed within the programme has been named POLSARIS which stands for Polish SAR Intelligence System.

“Deployment of the MikroSAR system will constitute a significant milestone in the development of sovereign satellite reconnaissance capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces. This represents not only another stage in the advancement of Poland’s space capabilities, but, above all, a meaningful reinforcement of reconnaissance and command support systems,” emphasised Colonel Leszek Paszkowski, Head of the Geospatial Intelligence and Satellite Services Agency.

ICEYE’s role in the project

As consortium leader, ICEYE was responsible for delivering the space segment of the MikroSAR programme, including the construction and launch of SAR radar satellites and training of crews so that they are able to conduct satellite operations independently.

“We are proud to provide the Polish Armed Forces with a tool that strengthens their reconnaissance capabilities and opens up a new, space dimension of operations. This success demonstrates what can be achieved when the client and the supplier work together with complete trust and necessary determination. Achieving operational readiness just one year after signing the contract is a pace that sets a new global standard. I believe that what we have managed to achieve together in Poland sets an example for the whole Europe. It is a proof that ambitious space programmes can be carried out on our own terms, according to our own standards and at the right pace,” said Rafał Modrzewski, CEO and co-founder of ICEYE.

SAR radar satellites enable observation of the Earth’s surface regardless of cloud cover and lighting conditions. The system provides images with a resolution of up to 25 cm per pixel and can be used for monitoring large areas as well as detailed observation of selected objects.