Thales Wins Neptune Contract to Enhance French Army’s Satellite Communications

Thales Wins Neptune Contract to Enhance French Army’s Satellite Communications

(IN BRIEF) The French defence procurement agency (DGA) has awarded Thales the Neptune contract to provide 30 dual-band X/Ka satellite communication stations for the French Army. These stations will serve as OTP tactical communication nodes, supporting high-throughput satellite communications for the Army’s systems. The SYRACUSE IV satcom stations will be installed on Serval light armoured vehicles as part of the Scorpion programme. This contract is the latest in the SYRACUSE IV ground segment programme, enhancing secure, high-data-rate communications with robust protection for the French forces, leveraging satellites developed by Thales Alenia Space and Airbus Defence and Space.

(PRESS RELEASE) LA DÉFENSE,12-Jul-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — The French defence procurement agency (DGA) has awarded Thales the Neptune contract to supply 30 dual-band X/Ka satellite communication stations for the French Army. These stations will serve as on-the-pause (OTP) tactical communication nodes, providing high-throughput satellite communications for the French Army’s information and communication systems. The new SYRACUSE IV satcom stations are set to equip the Serval light multi-role armoured vehicles developed under the Scorpion programme.

The Neptune contract marks the latest advancement in the SYRACUSE IV ground segment programme, for which Thales is the prime contractor. This follows previous orders for satcom stations on French Navy vessels and submarines and the development of fixed and mobile stations for land and air forces, including the Mercure on-the-move (OTM) stations for the French Army’s Griffon and Serval vehicles, and airborne stations for the French Air Force’s wide-body aircraft.

The first version of the SYRACUSE IV ground segment, developed for the DGA, entered service at the end of 2023. It provides the French forces with secure, high-data-rate satcom services, offering robust protection against jamming, interference, cyberattacks, and other threats. This ensures end-to-end connectivity and tri-service interoperability.

The SYRACUSE IV defense communications system includes two satellites, SYRACUSE 4A and SYRACUSE 4B, built by Thales Alenia Space (a joint venture between Thales and Leonardo) and Airbus Defence and Space. Thales Alenia Space was responsible for the SYRACUSE 4A satellite and the payloads for both satellites, while Airbus Defence and Space handled the SYRACUSE 4B satellite and provided key components for the payloads. The SYRACUSE 4A satellite was launched in 2021, and SYRACUSE 4B followed in 2023.

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies specialized in three business domains: Defence & Security, Aeronautics & Space, and Cybersecurity & Digital identity.

It develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive.

The Group invests close to €4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in key innovation areas such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, cloud technologies and 6G.

Thales has close to 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2023, the Group generated sales of €18.4 billion.

Media Contacts:

Marion Bonnet
Press and social media manager, Security and Cyber
+33 (0)6 60 38 48 92
marion.bonnet@thalesgroup.com

Camille Heck
Thales, Media Relations Land & Naval Defence
+33 (0)6 73 78 33 63
camille.heck@thalesgroup.com

SOURCE: Thales