Key Takeaways

  • The French government has initiated a new program to develop its own space-based synthetic aperture radar (SAR) capability.
  • Loft Orbital is the prime contractor and leader of the trilateral consortium.
  • The program will draw on Thales Alenia Space’s capabilities in Earth observation instruments and ground segments.
Loft Orbital Thales Alenia Space TEKEVER France

Strategic Implications

This initiative may indicate France’s growing emphasis on achieving ‘sovereignty and independence’ in space-based imaging. The development of a national SAR satellite network could enhance France’s strategic autonomy, particularly in the context of NATO membership.