Europe’s “strategic autonomy” is a project through which Europe is rebuilding its own imperial and militarist capabilities.
Many recall Nokia as the creator of some of the most iconic mobile phones and its well-known motto, “Connecting people.”
Established in Finland in 1865 and now a global player in telecommunications and IT, Nokia remains focused on communications—essentially, connecting people. However, its newest initiative suggests a shift toward connecting individuals in uniformed roles.
Nokia has partnered with ICEYE, a Finnish company that builds microsatellites capable of delivering high-resolution Earth imagery day and night, regardless of weather conditions.
Together, they aim to create secure, sovereign satellite communication networks tailored for governments and defense clients, with the first satellites slated for launch in 2028.
Defense, border security, emergency response…
Unveiled on October 1, this project involves satellites operating in low Earth orbit (LEO) intended for defense, border protection, emergency services, and disaster relief tasks.
Governments involved will be able to fully own and manage not only the satellites but also the supporting ground systems and user devices.
Rafal Modrzewski, ICEYE’s co-founder and CEO, stressed the importance of countries maintaining control over their communications infrastructure rather than relying on foreign commercial satellite providers. He highlighted that the initiative aims to cut external reliance.
Within this collaboration, Nokia will bring its expertise in secure networking and network management, while ICEYE contributes its know-how in satellite platforms, constellation management, and ground support.
This partnership builds on previous cooperation; Nokia was among the firms that invested in ICEYE’s June 2026 funding round, which raised over €1 billion.
First satellites planned for 2028
The initial satellites are expected to launch in 2028. Upon completion, ICEYE will extend its role in government satellite intelligence to the communications sphere, and Nokia will boost its footprint in Europe’s fast-expanding defense and space communications markets.
Europe’s “strategic autonomy”: the militarization of civilian technology
This new Nokia-ICEYE alliance exemplifies the direction taken by Europe’s growing commitment to “strategic autonomy” and “technological sovereignty.”
While the satellite communication systems may seem purely technical investments at first glance, the companies clearly cite defense, border control, and governmental operations as primary application areas. The planned satellite launches aim to keep full government oversight over satellites, ground infrastructure, and user terminals.
The crucial aspect goes beyond two companies entering the defense market. The divide between civilian and military technologies is increasingly blurred in Europe.
Telecommunications, AI, satellite tech, data analytics, and digital infrastructure firms are evolving into integral parts of European states’ military buildup and security strategies.
This shift is framed as a move toward “European independence.” However, instead of distancing from militarism, Europe is effectively constructing its own militarized infrastructure.
Reducing dependence on the U.S. does not eliminate militarism
Europe’s primary rationale insists on breaking reliance on U.S.-based firms for critical security and communication infrastructures. Consequently, European nations are working to develop their own satellites, defense technology, and secure networks.
Yet, this approach carries a fundamental contradiction.
The infrastructure designed to decrease dependence on the U.S. simultaneously enhances Europe’s military capabilities. Thus, the choice is not between militarism and peace but between American and European forms of militarism.
The EU’s IRIS² initiative offers a broader illustration of this trend. Originally designed as a secure communications and digital framework, the program expanded in August 2026 to include 66 additional LEO satellites for defense and emergency services, raising the core constellation target to 348 satellites. The European Commission explicitly stated defense and security as key motivations for these changes.
Therefore, the space program cannot be viewed solely as an effort to “improve internet access.” Instead, space infrastructure is becoming a foundational pillar of Europe’s security and defense setup.
Companies are becoming part of the war economy
Importantly, this shift is not limited to government agencies.
The European model heavily features private-sector involvement. As seen with Nokia and ICEYE, private tech firms are creating infrastructure specifically aimed at fulfilling government defense and security objectives. Public-private partnerships are central to the IRIS² program as well.
With an estimated 12-year budget of €10.6 billion—comprising €6 billion in EU funding and over €4 billion from private investors—this reflects how expanding Europe’s “defense capacity” relies not just on state spending but significant private capital participation.
This evolution also transforms the technological landscape in which companies operate. Technologies once focused on consumer communication, internet services, software, or civilian uses are increasingly becoming integral to border monitoring, military comms, intelligence gathering, and crisis management systems.
This represents not the neutralization but the militarization of Europe’s technology sector.
The technological infrastructure of “Fortress Europe”
These developments align closely with the growing concept of “Fortress Europe.”
Enhanced border controls, the securitization of migration, escalated defense spending, and the growth of a domestic defense industry form interconnected parts of a unified political strategy.
Satellite technology is a critical component here, with border surveillance explicitly included among IRIS²’s stated uses in official EU documentation.
Hence, positive-sounding ideas like “digital sovereignty,” “technological independence,” and “strategic autonomy” are effectively tools for constructing a fortified European security framework.
The core issue is not Europe reducing its technological dependence on the United States. There is nothing inherently problematic about a nation developing its own capabilities. The critical consideration is the purpose behind these advancements.
When technological sovereignty translates into increasing numbers of military satellites, advanced border control systems, fortified military communication networks, and expanded defense budgets, the outcome is not merely independence but the growth of European militarist power supported by state and corporate capital.
Viewed in this light, the Nokia-ICEYE deal extends beyond a simple tech collaboration.
As Europe builds an alternative to U.S. military and technological supremacy, it is simultaneously assembling its own defense-industrial complex.
Significantly, today’s war economy is no longer confined to traditional arms manufacturers.
Companies specializing in telecommunications, satellite services, artificial intelligence, and other advanced technologies have become vital participants in this economy.
Therefore, Europe’s “strategic autonomy” should not be understood solely as a quest for independence from Washington but as an endeavor through which Europe is reconstructing its own imperial and militarist strength.
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