Thales Announces Order for New Syracuse IV Satcom Stations to Equip French Army Serval Armored Vehicles

Thales has announced that the French defense procurement agency (DGA) awarded the Neptune contract to the company, securing thirty dual-band X/Ka satellite communication stations for the French Army. These stations will serve as on-the-pause (OTP) tactical communication nodes, catering to the high-throughput satellite communication needs essential for the information and communication systems deployed by the French Army.

The new Syracuse IV satcom stations are set to be integrated into the Serval light multi-role armoured vehicles as part of the Scorpion programme.

The Neptune contract marks the latest advancement in the Syracuse IV ground segment programme, where Thales acts as the prime contractor. This follows a prior contract for deploying satcom stations on French Navy surface vessels and submarines and the development and production of fixed and mobile stations for land and air forces. Notable among these are the Mercure on-the-move (OTM) stations designated for the French Army’s Griffon and Serval vehicles, as well as airborne stations for the French Air Force’s wide-body aircraft.

Originally developed for the DGA, the initial version of the Syracuse IV ground segment was commissioned at the close of 2023. This system is designed to furnish French forces with a joint communications capability, relying on secure, high-data-rate satcom services that offer robust protection against jamming, interference, cyberattacks, and other threats. This ensures end-to-end connectivity and interoperability across all three services.