USSPACECOM Hosts French Vice Chief of Defence

U.S. Army Gen. James Dickinson, U.S. Space Command commander, greets French Vice Chief of Defence Gen. Eric Autellet during a visit to USSPACECOM headquarters Jan. 17, 2023, at Peterson Space Force Base. Autellet began his visit by conducting a space threat briefing with Dickinson, in which the two reaffirmed the importance of a combined effort in space to deter aggression. USSPACECOM anticipates greater opportunities with France over the next decade as French Space Command advances toward Fully Mission Capable status, and as France fulfills its new role as the host for NATO’s newest Center of Excellence for Space.

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USSPACECOM Hosts French Vice Chief of Defence

Published Jan. 19, 2023
By Staff Report

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- U.S. Army Gen. James Dickinson, U.S. Space Command commander, hosted French Vice Chief of Defence Gen. Eric Autellet during a visit to USSPACECOM headquarters Jan. 17, 2023.

Autellet began his visit with a space threat briefing with Dickinson, in which the two reaffirmed the importance of a combined effort in space to deter aggression.

Members of USSPACECOM then conducted a space operations and intelligence briefing with Autellet and his staff.

Based on shared common values and endeavors to keep the space domain secure, sustainable, and peaceful, the U.S. and French partnership has grown significantly over the past decade. The relationship has moved from initial cooperation through data sharing agreements, to deeper collaboration and interoperability with France through the Combined Space Operations Initiative (CSpO).

"As our space enterprises evolve, the long-standing partnership between the U.S. and France is reinforced by our collaboration in the space domain," said Dickinson. "These cooperative efforts alongside international partners are vital to deterring conflict and preserving the safety and the security of future space activities."

USSPACECOM anticipates greater opportunities with France over the next decade as French Space Command advances toward Fully Mission Capable status, and as France fulfills its new role as the host for NATO’s newest Center of Excellence for Space.

USSPACECOM, in coordination with Allies and Partners, the Joint force, and inter-agency partners, conducts combined space operations to protect our shared interests and secure critical capabilities.