Thales’ Hybrid Kits to Support French Army Vehicle Communications with 5G, OneWeb

The French Armaments Agency (DGA) has awarded Thales a contract to supply hybridization kits that will transform military vehicle communication for the French Army.

The kits, which require no alterations to existing vehicle designs, will be installed across various platforms, including the Griffon, VBCI, and Serval, integrating commercial technologies like OneWeb and 5G into military communication networks.

This solution enhances communication in tactical settings by combining commercial and military systems, merging transmission technologies from command posts to combat vehicles. The hybrid kits improve network flexibility, resilience, and data-sharing, supporting seamless integration of sensors and effectors for collaborative combat.

Thales' hybridization kits will complement existing military communication systems, such as the SYRACUSE IV satellite network, the CONTACT program's software radios, and HF MELCHIOR radios. Together, they will increase data throughput, system resilience, and the overall performance of the Army's communication infrastructure.

Developed in close collaboration with the DGA and Army personnel, the hybrid kits offer a non-intrusive installation process that preserves the vehicle design integrity. This flexibility ensures that the solution can be quickly and easily implemented across various military platforms without compromising their capabilities. By integrating civilian technologies with established military systems, the kits will enhance operational performance, streamline communication, and foster multi-domain collaboration.

The first batch of 25 hybrid kits will be delivered for testing during the EXTO SJO 2025 exercise at the end of this year, with another 25 kits scheduled for delivery in 2026. The kits will ultimately be deployed across all Army vehicles requiring enhanced connectivity.

Part of the broader ASTRIDE 3 program, Thales’ hybridization kits align with the increasing demand for modular, mobile communication stations. Since its inception in 2022, ASTRIDE 3 has been focused on creating communication solutions that meet NATO standards for interoperability, resilience, and security in the most challenging tactical environments.