The French defence procurement agency, DGA, has selected SAGEM as the prime contractor for the réseau d’information du fantassin de nouvelle génération (RIF-NG), the radio communication and information system for warfighters using the FELIN equipment suite.
The RIF-NG new-generation soldier information network is developed to provide new services including radio relay, encryption and transmission protection.
The RIF-NG will be available in three configurations to ensure continuous communications between soldiers and vehicles for mounted and dismounted operations.
The system will equip troops and vehicles in all French army infantry units, and the infantry units equipped with the FELIN system will have their individual RIF radios upgraded to the RIF-NG standard.
An initial amount of €25m was awarded and deliveries are scheduled to start in 2013.
The RIF-NG programme, part of the French Army’s digital battlefield initiative, is worth €87m.
