NATO allies in Europe want more commercial satellite imagery to spot threats earlier, CEO says
NATO countries are increasingly seeking access to commercial satellite imagery to enhance early-warning capabilities and intelligence gathering. This shift is driven by the success of such technology in the Ukraine conflict and a desire for greater European security autonomy.
Why it matters
It highlights the growing reliance on private-sector space technology for national defense and the shifting geopolitical landscape regarding European security.
NATO is showing growing interest in commercial satellite imagery. 2026 Planet Labs PBC/via REUTERS NATO countries in Europe are increasingly interested in access to commercial satellite imagery. An industry executive said that countries see how Ukraine has successfully used this technology. They are also looking to build up their own capabilities as the US signals a shift away from Europe. Demand for commercial satellite imagery is rising across NATO as the alliance seeks greater access to expand its early-warning capabilities, a top industry executive told Business Insider. US satellite imaging company Planet Labs had roughly $4 billion in deals for satellite services in the pipeline as of its early September earnings call, CEO Will Marshall said in an interview last week. Around $1 billion of those are expected to come together in the coming quarters.
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