Russia is now hunting commercial satellites that support Ukraine. Europe has no answer.
Top story
Russian Cosmos 2612 satellite stalks ICEYE-X36 imaging satellite supporting Ukraine, closing to 500 meters. Russia’s Cosmos 2612 maneuvered within 500 meters of US-flagged ICEYE-X36, a commercial SAR satellite believed to support Ukrainian forces, according to LeoLabs tracking data. The approach followed weeks of unusual orbital maneuvers by the Russian satellite. ICEYE operates a constellation of small radar-imaging satellites under contract to multiple governments. The close approach raises questions about on-orbit interference or surveillance capabilities. Why it matters: A Russian military satellite shadowing a commercial SAR provider with Ukrainian clients is a preview of the counter-space threats European forces will face if they lean harder on commercial imagery — and a reminder that orbital security is now a tactical problem, not a strategic abstraction. (Corroborated) Breaking Defense → · Defence24 → · The War Zone →
The rundown
PROCUREMENT — Lithuania is fielding three truck-mounted AN/TPS-77 Multi-Role Radars from Lockheed Martin under a $52.6 million Foreign Military Sales contract. The systems feed real-time air surveillance data into NATO’s integrated air and missile defense network. Lithuania’s Ministry of National Defence confirmed the deployment. (Single source) Defence Blog →
INDUSTRY — Lockheed Martin will upgrade assembly stations at the F-35 final assembly facility in Cameri, Italy, under a $9.4 million contract modification. The Cameri plant is Europe’s only F-35 production site and builds jets for Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and Switzerland. (Single source) Defence Blog →
By the numbers
3 events in this issue · 1/3 corroborated · €57m in stated deal values · 3/3 European · busiest beat: space
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