# France Awards SIGINT Satellite Contract

The French Directorate-General for Armament (DGA) has awarded the CASSIOPÉE contract to Airbus Defence and Space as the lead contractor, with Unseenlabs as co-contractor, to develop France's next-generation space-based signals intelligence (SIGINT) satellites. This program aims to replace the existing CERES constellation by 2032, enhancing France's sovereign electromagnetic intelligence capabilities with improved performance and responsiveness. The contract award on September 17, 2026, marks a significant step in France's strategic space and defense modernization efforts.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should note the strategic emphasis on sovereign space-based intelligence capabilities, signaling increased investment in advanced satellite technologies.
- Airbus Defence and Space leads system integration, while Unseenlabs provides payload, ground segment, and mission planning expertise, highlighting opportunities for specialized subcontractors.
- The program's timeline through 2032 offers a long-term procurement horizon for suppliers in space systems, SIGINT payloads, and related mission support.
- Organizations involved in electromagnetic intelligence and space defense technologies should evaluate partnership and bidding strategies aligned with France's defense modernization priorities.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 17, 2026

### Government Entities
- Directorate-General for Armament (DGA)
- French Ministry of the Armed Forces

### Vendors
- Airbus Defence and Space (Lead contractor, system integrator)
- Unseenlabs (Co-contractor, payload supplier, ground segment and mission planning expertise)

### Sources
- [Unseenlabs and Airbus to develop France’s SIGINT satellites - Intelligence Community News](https://intelligencecommunitynews.com/unseenlabs-and-airbus-to-develop-frances-sigint-satellites/) - Intelligence Community News