Airbus to supply French satellite communication systems

Jan. 20 (UPI) -- The government of France has contracted Airbus Defense and Space to supply satellite communication systems supporting civilian and military uses.

The four-year contract was awarded by UGAP, France's public procurement agency. The agreement tasks Airbus with providing Satcom technologies in the Ku and Ka frequencies. Eric Souleres, who leads the company's operations in the company, welcomed the agency's decision.

"As a pioneer in satellite communication services for governments, we are pleased to make our expertise available to the French administration," Souleres said in a press release.

Roughly 40 French government departments use Airbus' fixed or mobile Satcom stations, including the Interior Ministry's General Directorate for Civil Security and several emergency services.

The technology allows users to transfer voice and data communications during natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and other emergency events. Military users include French allies such as Britain, Germany, Canada, NATO, and the United States.