Bundeswehr gains direct access to dedicated SAR satellites under SPOCK 1

A Bundeswehr ground station responsible for processing and evaluation of satellite data, in an image released in May 2026. (Bundeswehr)

The Bundeswehr has gained direct access to several dedicated synthetic aperture radar (SAR) reconnaissance satellites under its SPOCK 1 programme, enabling it to independently task the spacecraft, Rheinmetall announced in a press release on 6 October 2026.

Rheinmetall Iceye Space Solutions, the joint venture (JV) operating and expanding the constellation, said the capability builds on SAR reconnaissance services already available through other satellites. It is being used primarily to support the protection of Germany's brigade in Lithuania and surveillance of NATO's eastern flank, said Rheinmetall. SPOCK 1 stands for SAR Space System for Persistent Operational Tracking, Stage 1, added the company.

The milestone follows a contract announced in December 2025 by Germany's Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw). Valued at approximately EUR1.7 billion (USD2 billion) gross, the agreement runs from the end of 2025 to the end of 2030 and includes extension options.

The contract provides exclusive access to an SAR satellite constellation, alongside satellite operations, ground station management, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven image evaluation, said Rheinmetall in December. Ownership of the constellation remains with Rheinmetall Iceye Space Solutions, it added.

Rheinmetall confirmed on 6 October that satellite production has begun at the JV's Neuss facility in Germany. The site combines manufacturing, integration, testing, and quality assurance, with the aim of producing and qualifying several dozen satellites for launch annually. The JV was formally established in November 2025, with Rheinmetall holding 60% and Finnish satellite company Iceye holding 40%.