Japan to Provide Satellite Imagery to Ukrainian Intelligence – Media

Japan has agreed to provide satellite imagery to Ukrainian intelligence following negotiations held earlier this year, the Intelligence Online media outlet reported.

According to the report, Japan’s Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space (iQPS), based at Kyushu University, will supply Ukraine with satellite images obtained via synthetic aperture radar (SAR) reconnaissance.

The agreement was signed last week after talks that took place in early February.

The iQPS Institute currently operates five satellites in orbit and plans to launch a seventh by the end of 2026.

Both parties expect it will take two to three months to configure the necessary software and begin image transmission.

Ukrainian Satellite Program Development

Ukraine has announced plans to begin developing defense-oriented satellites with international partners starting in 2026.

This initiative includes the creation of a space situational awareness system to be integrated into national defense infrastructure.

By 2030–2035, Ukraine aims to establish a full-fledged satellite constellation capable of real-time analytics and participation in broader international security frameworks.

In October 2022, the governments of Ukraine and the Czech Republic signed a political agreement to launch a joint defense technology cluster. One of the cluster’s key projects is the development of a dual-use satellite system for both countries.

A cornerstone of the planned “Constellation” network is the Drak satellite, developed specifically for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The project is led by Czech firm TRL Space in collaboration with the Brno Space Cluster and Ukrainian partners.