French armament procurement agency DGA chooses Atos Origin to design and build new-generation L22 tactical data link demonstrator

Paris, 12 February 2007 - French armament procurement agency DGA has chosen Atos Origin to design and produce an L22 tactical data link demonstrator, an innovative technology that enhances the interoperability of communications systems deployed by land, naval and air forces. Seven major military powers are conducting research on this new network and its integration within joint forces. With this first major contract awarded by the DGA, Atos Origin has established a position among the leading suppliers for the L22 tactical data link.

“Atos Origin participated in the Consortium’s work for four years, reporting to the NILE Project Management Office1,” said Michel Sandoz, DGA Tactical Data Links Program Manager. “The operational and technical expertise acquired over the period demonstrated Atos Origin’s understanding of this type of system. This made the company a natural choice to develop and build the communications and control component, thus ensuring compliance of all the deliverables.”

The DGA is developing an L22 tactical data link demonstrator as part of the international NATO Improved Link Eleven (NILE) program. The system supports the exchange of tactical data between military platforms (surface vessels, submarines, aircraft, ground facilities) in a battlefield situation, including such data as the position of armed forces, projectile directions and speeds, friend or foe identification, and fire control commands. Sharing information across command levels provides a real-time picture of tactical developments in a theater of operations, encompassing all the components of a battlefield force. The integration of such modern communications systems makes a pivotal contribution to ensuring mission success.

In 19 months Atos Origin will deliver the demonstration system to show armed forces users how the new network can increase military efficiency. The demonstrator will comprise three prototype systems (including one that is air-transportable), which correspond to the different applications designed to improve the accuracy and speed of data interchange. It will cover the complete Link 22 chain, comprising various components and assemblies (tactical processor, communications system, router, radio, antenna) and the associated software. The open, modular design, combined with dedicated components, means that a single system element can be extracted for partial use of its functions.

Atos Origin will be in charge of development, as well as ensuring compliance with standards2 and the interoperability of the different systems for optimized operation of tactical data networks.

“This project makes Atos Origin a leading player in the international tactical data link market, since Link 22 will eventually become the hub for the joint multimedia tactical data links to be deployed towards 2015,” said Hervé de Colnet, Vice President Public Sector Market at Atos Origin. “We are proud of our active role in developing French expertise in this area, and in helping to modernize defense communications systems. Our work on this project also makes France one of the top countries in the NILE program, and confirms Atos Origin’s position as a world leader in this sector.”


NOTES

1 – The international NATO Improved Link Eleven (NILE) program is being carried out jointly by the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, Spain and Italy to design and develop the main components in Link 22 (L22).

2 – The deployment of this type of system complies with NATO telecommunications standards.


About DGA
French Armament Procurement Agency Délégation Générale pour l’Armement (DGA) partners armed forces to help build the defense solutions of tomorrow.
The DGA’s missions are to provide equipment for armed forces, anticipate future requirements and promote exports. To execute these missions, the agency deploys exceptional resources to independently evaluate systems. It offers a comprehensive vision of systems to guarantee their consistency, a proven ability to efficiently manage the risks inherent in complex projects and an industrial and technological approach to projects designed to secure national and European independence.
The DGA facilitates the emergence of cooperation programs and contributes to the development of the European Defense Agency. Its presence spans 20 countries, including NATO and European Union member nations.

About Atos Origin
Atos Origin is a leading international information technology services company. Its business is turning client vision into results through the application of consulting, systems integration and managed operations. The company’s annual revenues total more than €5.5 billion and it employs over 47,000 people in 40 countries. Atos Origin is the Worldwide Information Technology Partner for the Olympic Games and has a client base of international blue-chip companies across all sectors.
Atos Origin is listed on the Paris Eurolist Market and trades as Atos Origin, AtosEuronext Market Solutions, Atos Worldline and Atos Consulting.

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