Partners to Develop French Sovereign SAR Satellite Capability
Tekever Selected by CNES and DGA for DESIR Program
A new partner has been announced in the development of technologies for France’s sovereign synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite capability. Tekever will be contributing its expertise in autonomous systems and radio-frequency (RF) space technologies to an ambitious and innovative space program serving France’s strategic autonomy.
“Through DESIR, we are delivering advanced space technologies while strengthening France’s long-term autonomy.”
Nadia Maaref, Tekever
Tekever’s contribution forms part of the DESIR consortium, alongside Loft Orbital and Thales Alenia Space, selected by the French Space Agency (CNES) and the Direction générale de l’armement (DGA) to develop a fully sovereign SAR capability. The program aims to strengthen France’s long-term autonomy in space, particularly in the fields of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
Within the DESIR program, Tekever is responsible for the active SAR antenna — a critical component that directly determines system performance, reliability and mission data quality. This responsibility builds on Tekever’s recognised expertise in advanced RF space systems, including inter-satellite links (ISL) and high-performance SAR payloads, as well as its growing leadership in autonomous signal-processing architectures designed to operate in complex and contested environments. Through this contribution, Tekever positions itself as a key player in France’s sovereign SAR roadmap.
The DESIR consortium adopts a “New Space” approach applied to a dual-use mission, combining agile development cycles, rapid operational deployment and cost efficiency through the reuse of proven technologies. This model ensures full sovereign control over critical systems while enabling faster access to cutting-edge solutions for end users, within a robust and sustainable industrial framework.
The program will directly benefit from Tekever’s long-term commitment to France, announced at the Choose France 2025 Summit, which includes a €100 million (≈$118.73 million) investment over five years and the creation of 100 jobs nationwide, contributing to the growth of a dynamic and innovative local ecosystem.
DESIR also strengthens Tekever’s strategic positioning as a provider of autonomous technologies for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) across air and space domains. By linking space-based SAR systems with its broad portfolio of autonomous platforms and mission systems, Tekever supports the emergence of a truly multimodal ISR architecture, delivering persistent situational awareness from orbit to the tactical edge and enhancing the resilience and effectiveness of defence and security operations.
“Being selected to contribute to France’s first sovereign SAR capability is a clear recognition of Tekever’s technological leadership in autonomous and RF space systems. The responsibility entrusted to us for the active SAR antenna places us at the heart of a program that is critical to national sovereignty,” said Nadia Maaref, Head of Tekever France. “Through DESIR, we are delivering advanced space technologies while strengthening France’s long-term autonomy by investing in centres of excellence and highly skilled teams. This program embodies our ambition to lead in multimodal autonomous ISR, connecting space and air domains in support of tomorrow’s defence and security missions.”
Tekever builds on proven capabilities demonstrated through its partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA), contributing to flagship missions such as Hera (planetary defence) and PROBA-3 (formation flying). Through these programs, Tekever has delivered advanced radar, communications and AI-driven data systems, establishing itself as a trusted European partner for autonomous space missions and Earth observation.
The New Space model applied to dual-use defense programs is an interesting twist. Traditionally sovereign capability and agile development dont go together because of the security requirements slowing everything down. Curious to see if the 5-year investment timeline holds up, especially with Tekevers expanding responsiblity for the active antenna. Good to see ESA partnerships building real industrial capability rather than just study contracts.