# France Awards €1.5B IRIS Satellite Contract

France’s Directorate General of Armament (DGA) awarded Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space a contract worth more than **€1.5 billion ($1.7 billion)** for two IRIS military Earth-observation satellites. The program will replace France’s CSO system and sustain sovereign imagery-intelligence capability beyond 2035. The first satellite is planned to become operational in 2033, with both expected in orbit around 2035. The award is already placed, and no open solicitation is identified.

- Suppliers can pursue downstream work through the prime contractors and named subcontractors, including potential optical-system, ground-segment, operations, and maintenance opportunities as the program advances.
- France has stated the system is open to cooperation with partner countries, which may create opportunities for international suppliers and support providers.
- Companies seeking involvement should engage with the IRIS supply chain rather than treat the award as an open competition; the signals do not identify a solicitation or supplier contact.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** November 11, 2026

### Government Entities
- Directorate General of Armament (DGA)
- French Air and Space Force
- French Armed Forces

### Vendors
- Airbus Defence and Space (prime contractor)
- Thales Alenia Space (prime contractor)
- Lynred (subcontractor)
- Pyxalis (subcontractor)
- Sodern (subcontractor)

### Sources
- [France orders military Earth-observation satellites for more than €1.5 billion - Defense News](https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2026/11/10/france-orders-military-earth-observation-satellites-for-more-than-e1-5-billion) - Defense News
- [France awards $1.7 billion contract to Airbus-Thales team for new military satellites - Breaking Defense](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/11/france-awards-1-7-billion-contract-to-airbus-thales-team-for-new-military-satellites) - Breaking Defense
- [France Orders Military Earth Observation Satellites for Over €1.5 Billion | Israel Defense](https://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/node/72688) - Israel Defense