Cannes, November 9th, 2026 – Thales Alenia Space, the joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has been awarded by the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) a contract for the development of the IRIS ultra-high-resolution military optical observation space system, under joint prime contractorship with Airbus Defence and Space. The IRIS[1] system will comprise of two satellites and their associated ground segment.
IRIS: renewing the CSO system’s capabilities and addressing an evolving strategic environment
The two IRIS optical Earth observation satellites are intended to progressively replace the three CSO satellites currently operating within the MUSIS[2] system. The first satellite will ensure continuity of France’s space-based Imagery Intelligence (IMINT) operational capability, replacing the CSO-1 and CSO-2 satellites. Following the end of operational lifetime of the last CSO satellite, the second IRIS satellite will significantly enhance image resolution performance while addressing the evolving requirements of the armed forces.
The program is a key asset of France’s defense policy, ensuring independent assessment capabilities, operational cooperation, and sovereign decision-making through intelligence gathered from space.
Delivering Europe’s highest operational performance
Building on its long-standing legacy in providing the most advanced optical observation instruments to the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, Thales Alenia Space will leverage its expertise to support French and European operational superiority. To this end, the company will develop the imaging systems for the first satellite and the most advanced observation instrument ever built in Europe for the second one.
Thales Alenia Space will also develop strategic systems ensuring the security, confidentiality and rapid dissemination of the collected intelligence, while guaranteeing high-quality production of the acquired imagery.
Unique advanced technologies in Europe
The optical systems developed by Thales Alenia Space for the IRIS satellites will deliver unmatched resolution performance for the most demanding missions. They will be capable of capturing ultra-high-resolution imagery anywhere on Earth, even under low-light and nighttime conditions thanks to their infrared capabilities.
The advanced technologies developed by Thales Alenia Space for IRIS include, among others, a hyper-stable telescope of unprecedented scale integrating next-generation active optics, ultra-sensitive high-speed digital sensors, and Artificial Intelligence-based image processing capabilities.
“We are particularly proud to contribute to the IRIS defense program, which will enable France to strengthen its position among the world leaders in optical space observation,” said Hervé Derrey, Chief Executive Officer of Thales Alenia Space. “Thales Alenia Space teams will rely on their world-renowned expertise gained through landmark surveillance programs such as Hélios, Pléiades and CSO, to develop the most advanced optical instrument ever built in Europe. This contract further strengthens our position as the European leader in Very High and Extremely High-Resolution space imaging, serving the French Ministry of the Armed Forces and, on a broader scale, our institutional and commercial customers.”
Thales Alenia Space leverages the excellence of France’s optical space industry
The expertise of the industrial consortium, combined with the world-class capabilities of our partners, including LYNRED, PYXALIS, SODERN, REOSC, ALAT and Thales SESO, will enable reaching the highest level of performance in Europe for these optical Earth observation satellites.
About Thales Alenia Space
Thales Alenia Space leverages a unique combination of skills, technological expertise, and industrial capabilities to deliver innovative solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, defense, exploration, science, and orbital infrastructures— drawing on 50 years of proven experience. Institutions, governments, and private industry rely on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite-based systems that provide anytime, anywhere, connections and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of its resources, explore our Solar System, and unlock the mysteries of the Universe. Embodied by its Space for Life purpose, Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping build a better and more sustainable life on Earth, and beyond. A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of solutions including services. Thales Alenia Space posted consolidated revenues of €2.36 billion in 2025 and has more than 8,000 employees in 7 countries with 14 sites in Europe. #spaceforlife www.thalesaleniaspace.com