US Space Force increases efforts to plug training capabilities gaps
The service has been seeking simulation and emulation solutions capable of reproducing multiple in-orbit threats.
Thales has been awarded a contract to conduct a strategic study that will inform decisions on systems architecture for future network-centric operations by the French armed forces.
The study, to be known as ETO AGORA, will contribute significantly to the definition of all the theatre networks that will be deployed by French forces in 2020–25.
The DGA has commissioned the study to build operational scenarios using the various networks to be deployed by 2020–25 to define an interconnection model that ensures effective delivery of future operational services, taking into account the progressive migration of these networks to IP 1 technology.
Thales will perform work to consider how the French Army’s ASTRIDE theatre network will deliver services in future, and how theatre networks will remain coherent with the COMSAT NG and COMCEPT joint forces SATCOM networks and the RIFAN naval fleet network. It will also take into account the impact of new technology standards in the 2020–25 timeframe.
The French armed forces aim to have fully converged joint forces and NATO-interoperable communication networks in place by 2020–25. The study will provide development plan roadmaps; understanding of how the transition to new procedures can be managed; and will identify if current programmes need to be enhanced – or new programmes need to be initiated - to obtain the expected and achievable capability improvements.
Thales will work with COGISYS, DCNS and ThalesRaytheonSystems on the study. The consortium partners bring to the project a thorough understanding of the operational and technical context for the French Army's networks (ASTRIDE), satellite communication networks (SYRACUSE/COMSAT NG), soldier radio networks (CONTACT), air command and control networks (SCCOA) and naval networks (RIFAN), as well as extensive experience in large-scale programmes for the French Ministry of Defence.
The service has been seeking simulation and emulation solutions capable of reproducing multiple in-orbit threats.
The service has been conducting several acquisition and upgrading efforts involving artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve communication, data analysis and ISR systems.
The Syracuse 4B communications satellite, developed by Airbus and Thales Alenia Space, was launched last year, bolstering secure military satellite communications for the French Armed Forces. Thales has now been selected to provide terminals for vehicles.
The growing importance of space in modern warfare, advancements in satellite technology, and increasing threats from rivals like China and Russia were among the topics of a Eurosatory 2024 panel on military space operations.
AN/ARC-232A is a Starfire radio that provides VHF/UHF communications to airborne platforms and the transceiver is software-programmable, allowing for multiple waveform support as well as optional national electronic counter counter-measure (ECCM) capability.
During the 18-month period of the contract, Lockheed Martin will apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques to create surrogate models of aircraft, sensors, electronic warfare and weapons within dynamic and operationally representative environments.