Melchior millions for Thales

The French defence procurement agency (DGA) has appointed

as prime contractor for the Melchior programme, which will provide France’s armed forces with a new-generation high-frequency (HF) tactical transit and access communication system.

The contract, worth €252 million, calls for development and production of the system and subsequent through-life support.

Thales says the Melchior programme will provide French Army, Navy, Air Force and Special Forces units with a vital component of theatre communications that will be highly secure. The contract also calls for migration to the Melchior standard of the Carthage and Matilde HF tactical communication systems in service and currently deployed in outside theatres of operations.

Based on a family of latest-generation HF radio equipment and terminals, Melchior will incorporate protocols and waveforms compliant with NATO standards. The system will also integrate commercial IP technology to provide voice, data and messaging services. It will provide long-range links and will complement satcom capabilities on joint and allied operations. In addition, new multimedia capabilities will enhance connectivity between HF terminals and other information and communication systems operated by the French armed forces.