EADS and TDF selected by French Army to supply WiMAX solutions for deployment in theatres of operations

* First large-scale implementation of WiMAX technology for the French Ministry of Defence
* More than thirty communication systems linked to 440 terminals to be delivered to the French Army from 2008

Paris, 01 March 2007

EADS Defence & Security Systems (DS) and TDF have signed a contract worth € 12.5 million with the French Army's central materiel directorate, DCMAT, to design and deliver a solution for a wireless local loop (WLL). This technology will allow capacities to be offered in the Internet Protocol (IP) format for the interconnection of the Army's logistic information systems deployed in the theatres of operation. EADS, the industrial prime contractor, and co-contractor TDF have joined forces in order to provide an optimized response to DCMAT's requirements.

On the basis of their expertise in C3I systems and their experience in the WiMAX field, EADS – via its Defence and Communications Systems (DCS) Business Unit – and TDF will develop, design and deliver the WLL solutions for the French Army, which are intended to cover the essential requirements for IP data exchange and radiotelephony between the command posts and different functional zones of the French Army's logistic force on the battlefield.

In late summer 2007, a first real-scale assessment will be conducted jointly by representatives from the French Army and EADS/TDF in order to validate the operational concept. Following that, the necessary means will be provided to allow the Army to cover approximately 30 logistic zones simultaneously (roughly 15km x 15km coverage for each of these), plus more than 440 terminals.

At the core of the WLL, WiMAX technology provides for exceptional performance. Driven by the civil markets, this system will offer capacities running to several ten million bits per client. Thanks to easy handling, its modularity and its installation in a hardened equipment container, it will be perfectly suited for deployment in theatres of operations. Last but not least, the WLL will process classified information up to the restricted level and will thus allow personnel located in mid-battlefield to access INTRADEF, the Intranet of the French Ministry of Defence.

The contract awarded by the DCMAT also includes maintenance of the WLL IP for seven years.
"WLL is a key element in future defence communications systems. Furthermore, this first large-scale deployment will enable the French Army to boost its strategic response capabilities through the development of its battlefield communications networks in a world where the new ICTs information and communications technologies are providing great dynamics and offer fast benefits to users in the field of defence," stated Hervé Guillou, CEO of DCS.

"The Defence Ministry has decided to procure a WLL solution that is both secure and agile as well as being adapted in a way that will guarantee the means of transmission in the theatre of operations. TDF is proud to be supplying the French Army with its know-how as a WiMAX network operator and its expertise in the design and implementation of civil radio relay solutions," explained Michel Combes, President and CEO of the TDF Group.

DCS is the "Systems House" of EADS and is an integrated part of the EADS Defence & Security Systems Division (DS). DS is a systems solutions provider and combines military air systems, missile systems, communications and intelligence systems, global security solutions as well as sensor and avionics systems into a single effective network. With 2005 revenues of € 5.6 billion, the Division employed 23,000.

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2005, EADS generated revenues of € 34.2 billion and employed a workforce of about 113,000.

Within TDF, the Telecommunications and Services division offers its customers global solutions in response to their needs relating to the design, deployment and operation of their telecommunications networks.

A promoter of innovation, TDF is involved in the European Commission's framework Research and Development programme on the theme of "Europe's Information Society". It is a member of bodies, such as the WiMAX Forum, which contribute to technological evolutions and the launching of new standards. Being the holder of WiMAX licences in France via its subsidiary HDRR, TDF is in the process of becoming a major player in the nation-wide introduction of digital technology.

In 2005, in Europe the TDF Group achieved revenues of € 954 million, of which € 203 million were generated in the telecommunications sector. The company employs over 3,800 people throughout Europe.

1) WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access)

The WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is the latest high speed wireless access technology. It is the most powerful system in terms of both speed and geographical coverage. This interoperable global standard will provide a response to the digital technology gap.

Contacts:
Brigitte Faure
EADS Defence & Security Systems
Elancourt
France
Tel.: +33 (0) 1 61 38 53 29
mailto: brigitte.faure@eads.com

Thierry Bernard
TDF
Direction de la communication
Paris 15
France
Tel.: +33 (0) 1 55 95 23 56
mailto: thierry.bernard@tdf.fr