Statement from French Space Commander

Statement from Major General Vincent Chusseau, French Space Commander

Le Commandant de l'Espace

The French Space Command is pleased to present the 6th edition of its annual military space exercise. It remains one of a kind in Europe, AsterX continues to gain power and heading into 2026 SparteX (Space Readiness and Training eXercice). 

The aim of SparteX is to contribute to operational readiness of the units of the french space command’s military space operations (OSM), within a complex realistic simulated environment, interconnected with the other domains, to be capable of facing the emergence of a multitude of various threats. 

This year, it will be coordinated with Orion, the joint forces exercise designed to prepare for a large-scale military operation involving combined forces in all domains of conflict and warfare. This exercise will test the interoperability of space operations C2 with the other command and control structures and is aimed at validating the different collaboration methods to obtain effects on the terrain.

SparteX scenario includes 28 simulated events, from the ground and all orbits, to face 10 different types of threats. Players are confronted by the full spectrum of space warfare. The aim is to preserve our space reinforcement capabilities in other domains that remain necessary for operational success. This requires actions in space, towards space and even in other areas.

Furthermore, commercial and institutional partners, first and foremost CNES (French Space Agency), remain fully mobilised in the exercise, as part of a relationship founded on trust, centered around operational goals in space. SparteX also invites our international partners to reinforce our operational cooperation and interoperability in space.

This exercise illustrates firsthand the vital role that France claims to have as far as military spatial operations are concerned and contributes to reinforcing strategic solidarity between allies.

Working towards a safe and peaceful space is a major challenge that must be tackled collectively. This is the spirit and aim of SparteX, it is essential to allow us to progress together, to develop cooperation and to imagine the future with the help and participation of all of our partners. 

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