Polish-French satellite cooperation gains momentum

The meeting was attended by a delegation from the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) – the French government agency responsible for overseeing armament programs, their financing, and ensuring that the French Armed Forces possess modern and adequate operational capabilities. The DGA plays a key role in this regard, integrating the needs of the military, the defense industry, and government administration.

Polish-French Cooperation

The Polish side was represented by the Director of the Ministry of National Defence Innovation Department, Gen. Marcin Górka; the Chief of the Intelligence and Reconnaissance Analysis Directorate of the General Staff, Brig. Gen. Dr. Mieczysław Bieniek; as well as representatives of the Armament Agency. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the current state of cooperation, define priorities, and outline directions for further joint activities.

“The participation of the Head of ARGUS emphasized the Agency’s commitment to developing modern capabilities in the space domain, which are crucial for supporting decision-making processes, operational planning, and strengthening national security,” the statement said.

Polish-French cooperation in this area contributes to deepening the partnership, improving information exchange, and enhancing both countries’ capabilities in acquiring and utilizing imagery data.

It should be recalled that under the agreement signed in December 2022 with the French company Airbus Defence & Space, Poland will soon acquire two very high-resolution observation satellites (up to 30 cm), along with a complete ground segment. The system will include a national imagery reception station, enabling full autonomy in tasking and data processing.

This means that Poland will be able to independently plan missions and analyze imagery according to its own operational needs. The satellites are currently in the integration phase at Airbus facilities in Toulouse, and their launch into orbit is scheduled for 2027. The Geospatial Intelligence and Satellite Services Agency (ARGUS) began operations on June 27, 2024. During its inauguration, it was announced that the Agency will be responsible for managing and directing satellite systems introduced into the equipment of the Armed Forces, as well as for the defense and protection of these systems and for carrying out tasks related to space situational awareness.

Source: ARGUS / Space24.pl