Greece has officially entered the space age with the launch of its first Greek micro-satellites for Defence and Security on 28 November, from the Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The satellites are now in orbit around the Earth.
The mission marks the implementation of the National Micro-Satellite Programme, developed by the Ministry of Digital Governance in cooperation with the Ministry of National Defence, advancing Greece’s integration of space-based technologies into its defence framework.
Under the programme, two operational Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites — ICEYE SAR-1 and ICEYE SAR-2 — have begun transmitting high-resolution data to Greek defence and security agencies. The satellites provide 25-centimetre resolution Earth imagery, functioning day and night, and in all weather conditions, including rain, snow and cloud cover.
These capabilities will boost Greece’s defence, environmental monitoring, and civil protection, supporting firefighting, disaster response, and border surveillance, while delivering crucial intelligence for national security.
According to the Ministry of National Defence, coordination meetings were held to ensure operational use of the system and cooperation with the Hellenic Defence Innovation Centre (ELKAK).
Discussions are also advancing on a dedicated military communications satellite, with a proposal submitted under the SAFE programme.
Officials stress that the Hellenic Armed Forces are entering a new digital era, aligned with “Agenda 2030”, incorporating space and digital technologies into Greece’s modern Defence Doctrine.
