Alcatel Space, Thales sign military Satcom contract

Thales Communications and Alcatel Space today signed a contract valued at approximately Euro 230 million, defining their collaboration in the Syracuse III satellite telecommunications programme.

As a result of the contract, Thales Communications will be in charge of the Syracuse III network architecture and security, ground segment developments, security-dedicated equipment (ground and satellite) and anti-jamming. The contract also covers the services required to ensure the maintenance for the existing Syracuse II system, and subsequently Syracuse III.

The present contract follows the award to Alcatel Space by the French Defence Procurement Agency in December 2000 of prime contractor for the Syracuse III system, including the manufacture and launching of three new-generation satellites.

The Syracuse IIIA satellite will enter service in 2003, complementing the current fleet of mixed civil/military Telecom 2 satellites. It will offer both French and allied armed forces a significant improvement in terms of information rates, operational flexibility and resistance to countermeasures.

REF XQQEE XQQSA XQQAR XQQLD XQQEE