On September 3, 2019, France inaugurated its Space Command (CDE)an ambitious initiative aimed at responding to the challenges of sovereignty and defense in this strategic environment. This creation echoed the recognition of space as fifth operating environment by NATO in December of the same year. But where are we today, after five years of implementation?
A necessary command but under tension
Space, far from being a sanctuary, is now a theater of conflict. The last five years have seen an increase in security issues, with the proliferation of spy satellites and cyber threats. France, to guarantee its freedom of spatial actionbet on the CDE. With an ambitious initial budget and aiming for a workforce of 500 agents by 2030, its mission is to protect strategic infrastructure such as satellites. Syracuse (communications) ou Ceres (information).
However, the path is far from linear. Criticism is rife over the delay in the development of crucial tools like the patrol watchman Yodaexpected for 2025, or the absence of effective coordination with key European partners.
Operational assessment: progress but gray areas
The CDE can claim several notable successes:
- Technological renewal : Deployment of cutting-edge satellites like CSO-3offering unrivaled observation capabilities.
- Strategic partnerships : In October 2024, France joined the American initiative Olympic Defenderstrengthening international cooperation in space defense.
- On-orbit test : Launch of experiments to counter space interference, a central issue facing players like Russia or China.
However, these successes are not enough to hide certain worrying shortcomings. Dependence on foreign launchers for orbit remains an Achilles heel. Although the program Ariane 6 promises increased sovereignty, its launch has been postponed several times.
Financing is at the heart of the debate. With an annual budget estimated at 3.6 billion euros for space defensesome experts consider this amount insufficient. Xavier Pasco, director of the Foundation for Strategic Research, emphasizes in a recent column: “Space superiority is crucial to preserve our freedom of action, but the pace remains too slow. »
A financing table shows the gaps compared to powers like the United States:
| Pays | Budget spatial militaire (2024) | Number of active satellites |
|---|---|---|
| UNITED STATES | 26 billion euros | 1 200 |
| Chine | 11 billion euros | 450 |
| France | 3.6 billion euros | 16 |
Perspectives: what solutions for the future
Faced with these challenges, several avenues are emerging to strengthen the French position:
Increased investments in surveillance and anti-satellite protection technologies.
European coordinationnotably via joint projects with the ESA (European Space Agency).
Improved resilience in the face of cyber threats, with a more robust satellite network.
General Michel Friedling, former director of the CDE, recalled: “Space is no longer an option but an absolute strategic priority. »
