The contract covers development, manufacturing and testing of the two satellites, as well as in-orbit operations and maintenance. The IRIS satellites will replace the three CSO satellites the French military uses today and, according to the DGA, will deliver sharper images and faster access to captured imagery.
Airbus is the prime contractor: it will supply both platforms, most of the first satellite's payload and the ground segment. Thales Alenia Space will supply the optical systems, which the company says will be able to capture very high-resolution imagery anywhere on Earth, even in low light and at night, thanks to infrared capabilities.
According to the DGA, the first satellite is due to enter service in 2033 and both are expected in orbit by 2035. Airbus presents the contract as strengthening France's supply chain for optical imaging from space.