French space intelligence programs IRIS and CELESTE delayed, General Mandon warns of capability gap (opex360.com)

• CELESTE launch delayed five years; IRIS now expected in 2035.
• General Mandon warns of capability gap in satellite intelligence.
• France considers purchasing commercial satellite data as stopgap.

"France's next-generation space-based intelligence satellites IRIS (optical) and CELESTE (SIGINT) are facing significant delays, according to Chief of Defence Staff General Fabien Mandon. Speaking to the French Senate, he stated the replacement of current CSO and CERES constellations is at risk. The updated military programming law pushes CELESTE's launch back by five years and IRIS to 2035. The DGA is working on life extension of existing satellites and plans to purchase commercial data as a bridge. The ARCHANGE electronic intelligence aircraft program is also delayed."