In a historic move, Japan has agreed to supply Ukraine’s military intelligence with satellite-based geospatial data, marking its first-ever direct intelligence-sharing initiative with a foreign nation.
The agreement involves the Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space (iQPS), affiliated with Kyushu University, providing Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery.
This collaboration comes amid concerns over the reliability of traditional intelligence sources. Earlier this year, the United States temporarily suspended intelligence sharing with Ukraine, prompting Kyiv to seek alternative partners to bolster its reconnaissance capabilities.
iQPS currently operates five SAR satellites, with plans to launch additional satellites by the end of 2026. SAR technology enables the capture of high-resolution images regardless of weather conditions or time of day, providing critical data for monitoring enemy movements and assessing battlefield conditions.
The integration of iQPS systems into Ukrainian intelligence platforms is expected to be completed within two to three months. This partnership enhances Ukraine’s existing satellite intelligence network, which includes data from Finland’s ICEYE, Germany’s SAR-Lupe and SARah, and Italy’s Cosmo-SkyMed satellites.
Japan’s decision to share satellite intelligence with Ukraine signifies a significant shift in its foreign policy, reflecting a growing commitment to international security cooperation. For Ukraine, this agreement represents a crucial step in diversifying its intelligence sources and strengthening its defense capabilities amid ongoing regional tensions.
