Thales Secures Contract to Equip French Army with Syracuse IV Satellite Stations.

On July 12, 2024, the French defense procurement agency (DGA) awarded Thales the Neptune contract to provide thirty dual-band X/Ka satellite communication stations. These stations will serve as on-the-pause (OTP) tactical communication nodes for the high-throughput satellite communications services required by the French Army's information and communication systems. They will be equipped on the Serval light multi-role armored vehicles developed as part of the Scorpion program. Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The Syracuse IV Satellite Stations will be equipped on the Serval light multi-role armored vehicles developed as part of the Scorpion program (Picture source: Thales)

The Neptune contract is the latest development in the Syracuse IV ground segment program, for which Thales is the prime contractor. This follows an earlier order for the deployment of satellite communication stations on French Navy surface vessels and submarines, as well as for the development and production of fixed and mobile stations for land and air forces.

This includes 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 Griffon, officially known as the "Véhicule Blindé Multi-Rôles" (VBMR), began production in 2018 and entered service in 2019. It is a heavier and more robust vehicle compared to the Serval, designed primarily for troop transport and support roles. France plans to acquire over 1,872 Griffon vehicles, with many already in service. The Griffon is equipped with advanced communication systems, modular armor for protection against various threats, and a remote weapon station. Its modularity allows for multiple configurations, including command post, ambulance, and artillery observer roles, making it a versatile asset on the battlefield.

The Serval, or "Véhicule Blindé Multi-Rôles Léger" (VBMR-L), began production in 2021 and entered service in 2022. It is designed to complement the Griffon with its lighter, more agile build, suited for rapid reaction and reconnaissance missions. The French Army plans to acquire around 978 Serval vehicles. The Serval features advanced communication systems, and modular armor, and can be equipped with remote weapon stations. Its smaller size and agility make it ideal for urban and confined environments, enhancing the operational flexibility of French forces.

Developed for the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA), the first version of the Syracuse IV ground segment went into service at the end of 2023. It provides the French forces with a joint communications capability relying on secure, high-data-rate satellite communications services with robust protection against jamming, interference, cyberattacks, and other threats to ensure end-to-end connectivity and tri-service interoperability.

The two satellites in the Syracuse IV defense communications system, Syracuse 4A and Syracuse 4B, were built for the General Directorate for Armament (DGA) by the consortium of Thales Alenia Space (a joint company between Thales at 67% and Leonardo at 33%) and Airbus Defence and Space.

As the lead contractor, Thales Alenia Space was responsible for the Syracuse 4A satellite, launched in 2021, and the payloads for both Syracuse 4A and 4B satellites. Airbus Defence and Space is in charge of the Syracuse 4B satellite, launched in 2023, based on the all-electric Eurostar platform, and supplies key components for the two payloads.