Thales To Define Future Network-Centric Architecture

Thales has won a strategic study contract to define the overall system architecture for future network-centric operations by the French armed forces.

The study known as ETO AGORA, will 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.

The study will define how the services currently offered by the French Army's ASTRIDE theatre network will be delivered in the future, and how theatre networks will remain coherent with the COMSAT NG and COMCEPT joint forces satcom networks and the RIFAN naval fleet network, while also taking into account the new technology standards for the timeframe under consideration, such as LTE[2] / 4G in particular.

Thales is the lead contractor for the study and will work with COGISYS, DCNS and ThalesRaytheonSystems. 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.

Thales was chosen to lead the study based on its previous projects helping Armies express their operational requirements, and its expertise in secure communication systems and networks for joint forces, radiocommunication products and technologies, as well as infrastructure security and protection systems.