NATO allies in Europe want more commercial satellite imagery to spot threats earlier, CEO says
Planet Labs CEO Will Marshall said growing European interest in commercial satellite imagery comes as countries see how Ukraine is using it.
NATO countries in Europe are increasingly interested in accessing commercial satellite imagery to enhance their early-warning capabilities, according to an industry executive. After Ukraine's successful use of this technology during Russia's invasion, European nations are looking to bolster their own intelligence-gathering capabilities.
US satellite imaging company Planet Labs CEO Will Marshall said demand for commercial satellite imagery is rising across NATO as the alliance seeks to expand its early-warning capabilities. Around $1 billion of Planet Labs' $4 billion in deals for satellite services are anticipated to come in the coming quarters. Satellite imagery has been a major advantage for Ukraine on the battlefield, providing critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.
European nations, including Sweden, are signing contracts with commercial satellite providers to gain their own eyes on potential threats, accelerating their space-based intelligence and surveillance plans. Planet has opened a manufacturing facility in Berlin to meet the growing European demand for high-resolution satellites.
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