Sweden Buys 'Eyes in the Sky' in Landmark Deal with Planet Labs

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – January 12, 2026 – In a move that underscores a dramatic shift in European defense strategy, the Swedish Armed Forces have finalized a multi-year, low nine-figure agreement with Planet Labs PBC to acquire a dedicated suite of Earth-observation satellites. The landmark deal provides Sweden with sovereign control over advanced space-based intelligence capabilities, marking a significant step towards strategic autonomy and bolstering security for the nation and its allies.

This agreement, announced by the San Francisco-based satellite imaging company, is far more than a simple procurement contract. It represents a new paradigm where nations can rapidly acquire cutting-edge space assets through commercial partnerships, bypassing the decades-long timelines and prohibitive costs associated with developing proprietary government systems. For a nation like Sweden, which formally joined the NATO alliance in March 2024, the ability to independently gather, analyze, and act on satellite intelligence is a critical force multiplier in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.

The deal is Planet's third major 'Satellite Services' contract in just twelve months, following similar agreements to support the national security needs of Japan and Germany. Together, these three contracts have netted the company over half a billion dollars, cementing its position as a key partner for governments seeking to navigate the complexities of modern warfare and global security.

Bolstering Europe's Strategic Autonomy

The timing and nature of Sweden’s investment are deeply rooted in the current security climate of Europe. With the ongoing conflict in Ukraine highlighting the critical need for timely and accurate intelligence, European nations are re-evaluating their reliance on shared intelligence assets. This contract gives the Swedish Armed Forces ownership of the satellites themselves, along with access to Planet’s high-resolution data streams and analytical software.

“Europe needs its own eyes, and Sweden is leading the way by rapidly securing its own, comprehensive space capability – helping achieve its own security objectives and assisting regional allies, like Ukraine, with timely, critical information,” said Will Marshall, Planet CEO and Co-Founder, in a statement. His words point directly to the strategic imperative driving the deal: enhancing both national defense and the capacity for regional support.

For Sweden, this 'off-the-shelf' sovereignty allows it to contribute more meaningfully to collective defense frameworks like NATO while retaining independent verification capabilities. Rather than waiting in a queue for data from allied systems, Swedish commanders will have direct tasking control, enabling them to monitor troop movements, assess infrastructure, and track changes in contested territories with greater agility. This capability is vital not only for its own defense posture in the Baltic region but also for providing actionable intelligence to partners.

The Commercial Disruption of Defense Procurement

Planet's success highlights a powerful disruption in the traditionally staid world of aerospace and defense procurement. The company's 'Space-as-a-Service' model offers governments a cost-effective and low-risk pathway to space. By leveraging a scaled production line and agile development methodology, Planet can deliver capabilities in a fraction of the time it would take a government to build a satellite program from the ground up.

This string of high-value government contracts has transformed Planet's financial outlook. At the end of its third fiscal quarter of 2026, the company reported a backlog of $734.5 million—a staggering 216% year-over-year increase. This provides immense revenue visibility and has been met with enthusiasm from investors, who have driven the company's stock up over 580% in the past year. While the company still faces challenges in achieving net profitability, its strong gross margins and rapid revenue growth—projected at 27% year-over-year for the current quarter—signal a business model that is gaining significant traction.

This commercial approach stands in stark contrast to legacy defense contractors. Planet's success places it in direct competition with established giants like Maxar Technologies and Airbus Defence and Space, as well as other 'New Space' firms like BlackSky. The key differentiator is often speed and accessibility. While competitors may offer higher-resolution imagery, Planet's strength lies in its vast constellation of over 600 satellites providing a near-daily scan of Earth’s entire landmass, offering an unparalleled view of change over time.

A Global Race for Earth Observation

The Sweden deal is a microcosm of a much larger global trend: the democratization of space-based intelligence. As the cost of entry falls, more nations are acquiring their own eyes in the sky, fundamentally altering the dynamics of global transparency and surveillance. What was once the exclusive domain of a few superpowers is becoming an accessible tool for middle powers, international organizations, and even commercial entities.

This proliferation of Earth observation capabilities carries profound implications. On one hand, it fosters greater transparency, enabling the independent verification of arms control treaties, the monitoring of human rights abuses, and the tracking of environmental crimes. On the other hand, it raises complex questions about privacy and the potential for pervasive surveillance.

Planet is already looking to the future, planning its next-generation 'Owl' constellation, which is being designed to deliver near-daily imagery at a one-meter resolution. This continuous push for more data, at higher fidelity and frequency, ensures that the race for Earth observation will only intensify. As nations like Sweden integrate these powerful commercial tools into their defense architectures, the line between commercial technology and state power continues to blur, reshaping the landscape of international security for years to come.