DGA Awards Thales Contract for AURORE UHF Radar to Monitor Satellites and Space Debris

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Thales has secured a significant contract from the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) under the ARES (Action and Space Resilience) program to develop, produce, and operate a new generation of ground-based surveillance radar. The system, known as AURORE, is designed to provide France and Europe with enhanced capabilities in monitoring the increasingly contested domain of low Earth orbit. This initiative reflects France’s determination to strengthen its sovereignty in space while addressing the growing militarization of orbital environments.

AURORE. Photo: thalesgroup.com

The AURORE radar is specifically engineered to track satellites and space debris in low Earth orbit with high precision. It is capable of simultaneously monitoring multiple objects while maintaining continuous surveillance, ensuring uninterrupted situational awareness. Operating in the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) band, the radar delivers real-time, high-resolution imagery of the space environment, offering military operators a comprehensive and accurate picture of orbital activity.

Strategically, AURORE will stand as the largest space surveillance radar in Europe, marking a major milestone in continental defense capabilities. Its deployment will not only reinforce France’s national security but also contribute to Europe’s collective resilience in space. By providing advanced monitoring of orbital activities, the system will play a critical role in supporting military missions and safeguarding vital assets against potential threats.

The radar is being developed and manufactured at Thales’s facility in Limours, France, a site recognized for its expertise in advanced radar technologies. The program also benefits from the involvement of several French small and medium-sized enterprises, ensuring that the project supports the national industrial base. This collaboration highlights the importance of combining large-scale defense expertise with specialized contributions from smaller firms to achieve technological superiority.

From a technical perspective, AURORE is distinguished by its software-defined architecture, which allows for flexibility and future upgrades as threats evolve. Its modular design provides the foundation for a new family of UHF radars, ensuring adaptability across a wide range of missions. Beyond space surveillance, the system can be expanded to address other critical defense requirements, including protection against ballistic and hypersonic threats, making it a cornerstone of France’s long-term defense strategy.

With AURORE, France positions itself at the forefront of space surveillance in Europe, combining cutting-edge technology with strategic foresight. The program reflects a broader recognition that space is no longer a benign environment but a contested domain requiring robust monitoring and defense capabilities. By investing in this radar, France and its European partners are taking decisive steps to secure their interests in orbit and prepare for the challenges of future strategic competition.

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