WASHINGTON — Maxar Intelligence, a division of Maxar Technologies, announced Sept. 24 it is establishing its first headquarters outside the United States in London, aiming to capitalize on growing global demand for geospatial intelligence.

The Colorado-based provider of high-resolution satellite imagery and geospatial data services said the new office in West London will serve as the central hub for its international government business.

“The geospatial industry is playing an increasingly important role in supporting critical missions across the U.S. allied ecosystem,” Maxar Intelligence CEO Dan Smoot said in a statement.

“Customers recognize that very high-resolution satellite imagery and geospatial insights delivered in near real-time can provide a strategic advantage for everything from national security to mapping,” he added.

The move comes as Maxar seeks to expand its footprint in the global market for geospatial intelligence. While the company has maintained offices in London and Singapore for several years, these have operated as regional sites reporting to U.S. leadership.

Anders Linder, who joined Maxar in October, leads the company’s international government business. The company has also brought on board retired UK Air Chief Marshal The Lord Peach, and former director of Japan’s defense intelligence agency Tadashi Miyagawa as senior advisors.

Peach, a former chair of NATO’s Military Committee, highlighted the growing importance of the sector. “With military and climate challenges intensifying, geospatial intelligence is more vital than ever,” he said. 

Linder cited the UK’s commitment to advanced space capabilities as a key factor in choosing London for the international headquarters.

Maxar said this expansion comes amid increasing global interest in geospatial data for applications ranging from national security to environmental monitoring.

Sandra Erwin writes about military space programs, policy, technology and the industry that supports this sector. She has covered the military, the Pentagon, Congress and the defense industry for nearly two decades as editor of NDIA’s National Defense...