Stockholm poised to become leading European geospatial intel player
Summary
Stockholm's acquisition of five Pelican satellites from US firm Planet Labs positions Sweden to become a leading European geospatial intelligence player, potentially surpassing France, though with increased reliance on US technology.
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# Sweden • Stockholm poised to become leading European geospatial intel player
Source: [https://www.intelligenceonline.com/europe-russia/2026/05/26/stockholm-poised-to-become-leading-european-geospatial-intel-player,110772386-eve](https://www.intelligenceonline.com/europe-russia/2026/05/26/stockholm-poised-to-become-leading-european-geospatial-intel-player,110772386-eve)
Published on 26\.05\.2026 at 04:00 GMTReading time 3 minutes
Stockholm has acquired five Pelican satellites from US firm Planet Labs\.© Handout/Planet Labs Inc\./AFP
Stockholm has acquired five Pelican satellites from US firm Planet Labs\.© Handout/Planet Labs Inc\./AFP
## Europe's balance of GEOINT power is shifting at an unprecedented pace and cost\. Within a year, Sweden will have more spy satellites than many other European countries, including France, a leader in the field\. Stockholm does however run the risk of becoming dependent on US tech\.
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