Thales to integrate secure SATCOM system onto French military tanker aircraft

The Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) has awarded Thales and its partners a contract for the development, integration, and support of aircraft satellite communications (SATCOM), Thales announced on 8 February.

The contract dubbed ‘Mélissa’ will involve the delivery of resilient high-speed satellite stations for French Armed Forces Airbus A330 Phénix Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft by 2025, according to the company. Thales will also provide support services over a 17-year period, the DGA announced.

The contract forms part of France’s Syracuse IV military satellite telecommunication programme, which is intended to equip the French Armed Forces with highly secure uninterrupted communications.

The stations – integrated into the fuselage of the aircraft – will operate with the Syracuse satellite system and will be compatible with any allied military or commercial satellite, the DGA said.