UAE deploys radar satellites to secure 24-hour global surveillance capability

The UAE is accelerating its space-based surveillance capabilities through the development of the Foresight Earth Observation (EO) constellation, a satellite network designed to provide persistent, 24-hour monitoring of the planet. Radar technology bypasses weather barriers Managed by Abu Dhabi-based AI technology firm Space42, the constellation utilizes Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology. Unlike traditional optical satellites, SAR can capture high-resolution imagery through clouds, haze, dust, and total darkness. The current framework includes five SAR satellites, which allow for continuous data acquisition for both government and corporate sectors. Christos Kolimenakis, CEO of ICEYE UAE, stated on Wednesday, 23 September, that the technology enables authorities to monitor specific locations at any given time. By reducing "revisit times"—the interval between a satellite passing over the same spot—from days to hours, the system allows for the detection of rapid changes on the ground. Strategic shift to space sovereignty The UAE plans to launch a new batch of satellites in 2027 to reach full operational maturity for the Foresight constellation. According to Abdullah Sharif, Senior Manager of the Foresight Constellation at Space42, this timeline is critical for establishing a localized space ecosystem. The project aims to reduce reliance on external imagery providers, securing what officials describe as "space sovereignty." Viktor Stoyanov, COO of Smart Solutions at…