Thales Wins France’s CONTACT Program

Thales will supply France’s next-generation air and naval tactical radios with faster transmission speeds, enhanced security and extended interoperability in a contract valued at €263 million. Known as the CONTACT program, it is designed to equip the majority of the French forces’ platforms with next-generation tactical radios incorporating innovative software-defined radio technology. "We are very proud to have been selected to design and build a complete theatre communications system comprising future air and naval tactical radios and associated waveforms, which will give French forces the joint communications capabilities they need to accomplish their missions effectively," said Luc Vigneron, Chairman & CEO of Thales. "The CONTACT programme is strategically important for the French armed forces and key to France's national sovereignty and it also provides a solid framework for the future development of software-defined radio at the international level". Software radios and waveforms will meet the new requirements with high operational value as armed forces transition to the digitised battlespace and increase their reliance on C4I, video transmissions and other value-added services during multinational operations. Future CONTACT radio products will be fielded with the French Army, Air Force and Navy, providing faster transmission speeds, better security and heightened interoperability. They will be interoperable with the communication systems of other nations to support coalition operations.