Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) and IHI Corporation have signed an agreement to co-develop a small satellite constellation to strengthen Japan's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The deal was concluded on 10 September at DSEI in London, underscoring expanding UK-Japan cooperation in space and defence.

The partnership aligns with the 2023 Hiroshima Accord and commitments reaffirmed by UK and Japanese defence ministers in Tokyo in August 2025. SSTL and IHI will combine SSTL's flight-proven platforms and operational heritage with Japan's sovereign needs to accelerate delivery of resilient, responsive ISR from orbit.

Under the agreement, the companies will also explore sharing imagery and capacity between SSTL's UK-built constellations and IHI-developed s

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