Table 2.1. France: Key space systems and priorities
ASAT = anti-satellite; ISR = intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance; R&D = research and development; SSA = space situational awareness; SSBN = nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine.
a Samson, V. and Cesari, L., Global Counterspace Capabilities: An Open Source Assessment (Secure World Foundation: Broomfield, CO, Apr. 2025), pp. 07-01–07-08.
b Pasco, X., ‘Space in the 21st century: A French view’, ed. H. D. Sokolski, Space and Missile Wars: What Awaits (Nonproliferation Policy Education Center: Arlington, VA), pp. 98–99.
c Details of French nuclear command, control and communications remain classified, but France has acknowledged that its navy is a major space user. See French National Assembly, Committee on National Defence and the Armed Forces, Report no. 1425, 14 May 2025 (in French).
d French Ministry of Armed Forces (MAF), Space Defence Strategy (MAF: Paris, Nov. 2019).
a Samson, V. and Cesari, L., Global Counterspace Capabilities: An Open Source Assessment (Secure World Foundation: Broomfield, CO, Apr. 2025), pp. 07-01–07-08.
b Pasco, X., ‘Space in the 21st century: A French view’, ed. H. D. Sokolski, Space and Missile Wars: What Awaits (Nonproliferation Policy Education Center: Arlington, VA), pp. 98–99.
c Details of French nuclear command, control and communications remain classified, but France has acknowledged that its navy is a major space user. See French National Assembly, Committee on National Defence and the Armed Forces, Report no. 1425, 14 May 2025 (in French).
d French Ministry of Armed Forces (MAF), Space Defence Strategy (MAF: Paris, Nov. 2019).