France Deploys Advanced Spy Satellite with Ukrainian Assistance

The Ukrainian An 124 transport aircraft played a key role in the launch of the French military reconnaissance satellite CSO 3. The satellite was successfully delivered to French Guiana, where it was launched aboard an Ariane 6 rocket from the Kourou spaceport on 6 March 2025.

The CSO 3 satellite is the final component of the French Space Command’s MUSIS programme, which strengthens France’s military intelligence capabilities. With the deployment of CSO 3, the French military will be able to monitor the same area twice a day, improving surveillance and reconnaissance efforts. The satellite is part of a larger optoelectronic intelligence network designed to provide France and its allies with high resolution imagery.

The Ukrainian An 124 was selected for this mission due to its ability to transport oversized cargo. This is not the first time Ukraine’s heavy transport aircraft have been used for French military operations. Previously, an An 124 100M assisted in moving a French military contingent from Chad.

The successful launch of the CSO 3 satellite marks a major step in Europe’s independent access to space, reducing reliance on external partners. Amid shifting global alliances and concerns over the new United States administration’s approach to intelligence sharing, the CSO satellites ensure that European nations, including Germany and Belgium, have reliable access to high resolution reconnaissance data.

France has been a strong supporter of Ukraine, providing military and intelligence assistance. Given the current geopolitical landscape, there is a strong possibility that intelligence gathered from the CSO 3 satellite could be used to assist Ukrainian forces in countering Russian aggression. The launch also highlights Ukraine’s continued strategic partnership with European allies, showcasing the importance of Ukrainian aviation capabilities in supporting defence operations across the continent.