Thales wins French network-centric operations study

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.