Thales has awarded a contract to Renault to supply 21 vehicle units for use in the tactical stations of the French Syracuse III military satellite communications programme.

The new vehicles include Premium, Midlum and Sherpa Light carriers and are expected to be delivered in 2011.

The Syracuse III military satellite communication system will provide end-to-end communication services between mainland France and out-of-area theatres of operations, as well as internet services in the battlespace.

Syracuse III will enhance the operational effectiveness and provide interoperability and security to French armed forces required for out-of-area deployments by joint multinational forces.