Thales Launches Revolutionary SYRACUSE IV Satellite Communication Stations for French Army’s Serval Armoured Fleet

The Neptune accord marks the latest milestone in the SYRACUSE IV terrestrial segment project, where Thales acts as the principal contractor. This follows a previous agreement for the installation of satellite communication stations on French Navy vessels and submarines, in addition to the design and production of both fixed and portable stations customized for ground and aerial forces. These include Mercure on-the-move (OTM) stations designed for the French Army’s Griffon and Serval platforms, along with airborne systems intended for the French Air Force’s large aircraft.

Engineered for the French defense procurement agency (DGA), the initial phase of the SYRACUSE IV terrestrial segment became functional at the end of 2023. It will provide the French armed forces with a cohesive communication solution employing secure, high-bandwidth satellite communication services fortified against jamming, interference, cyber threats, and various risks to guarantee continuous connectivity and interoperability across multiple services.

The two satellites within the SYRACUSE IV defense communication system, SYRACUSE 4A and SYRACUSE 4B, were constructed for the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) (Direction Générale de l’Armement) by a consortium consisting of Thales Alenia Space (with Thales holding a 67% share and Leonardo owning 33%) and Airbus Defence and Space. Serving as the primary contractor, Thales Alenia Space led the development of the SYRACUSE 4A satellite, which was successfully launched in 2021, along with the payloads for both SYRACUSE 4A and SYRACUSE 4B. Airbus Defence and Space is tasked with the SYRACUSE 4B satellite, launched in 2023, based on the fully electric Eurostar platform, providing crucial elements for the two payloads.