The SCORPION program strengthens the Command and Control (C2) capabilities of the French Army to effectively meet new operational challenges.
Deployed throughout the French Army -from combat units (Combined Arms Tactical Groups) to support units- the SCORPION program offers both enhanced protection and improved mobility. But above all, it enables the creation of a fully connected force, capable of instantly sharing combat information. This is where SICS -the unified battle management system developed by Eviden- comes into play, forming the core of the SCORPION program.
The fusion of battlefield data in SICS enables data-driven decision-making with speed and quality that provide a decisive advantage in mission execution. Deployed in operations since 2021, SICS has been in use by the French Army ever since.
Enhancing the operational capabilities of tactical groups
SICS strengthens the operational capabilities of Combined Arms Tactical Groups, or battlegroup (GTIA in french) by delivering reliable, useful information at the right pace, in real time when needed. Proven in operations, SICS is the battlefield management system used by the French Army from the battlegroup level down to the section.
SICS is a user-friendly solution designed to deliver the following operational capabilities:
- Collaborative combat: a consolidated, accurate and real-time tactical situation awareness is shared between command posts, ground vehicles (both new-generation and legacy), dismounted soldiers, and Army light aviation, with interfaces adapted to joint and allied operations.
- Accelerated OODA loop (Observe, Oriente, Decide, Act): the dispatch of orders and reports across all tactical levels within the context of land-air combat is secured. SICS reduces cognitive load by transmitting only the relevant information according to each role. Integration and sharing of data from multiple sensors within SICS enable faster detection, better protection, and rapid, accurate response capability.
SICS, a multi-level battle management system
- On the battlefield, the SICS battle management system can be used from the Combined Arms Tactical Group (GTIA) level down to dismounted sections. It enables smooth and simple coordination between units, reduces the risk of friendly fire through Blue Force Tracking (BFT), and introduces collaboration as a new dimension of close combat.
- SICS easily integrates with combat vehicle vetronics, leveraging their data to enhance collaborative combat effectiveness.
SICS at the command post
SICS provides decision-makers with an effective tool to plan, train, and execute upcoming missions. It aggregates information from the field and external sources to provide continuously updated data.
SICS for ground vehicles
SICS is optimized for effective use in operational theaters, continuously transmitting data from onboard sensors and weapon systems. It delivers situational awareness, enabling the sharing of information, orders, and alerts on the battlefield.
SICS in dismounted use with lightweight computer at Company Commander level
SICS enables the sharing of critical tactical information from the field, including Blue Force Tracking (BFT), through dismountable connected equipment. Real-time knowledge of the actual situation on the ground facilitates rapid and effective action, providing essential information for mission success.
SICS for Army Aviation (ALAT)
SICS goes further by integrating helicopters -both combat and transport- into the digital tactical bubble. Thus, aircraft and ground forces are united within a single, interoperable, shared, and resilient tactical information system. SICS thereby creates the air-land tactical bubble of the SCORPION program.
Key Benefits
The fusion and sharing of information to provide a clear operational picture allows for faster and more relevant decisions, thereby increasing operational efficiency. SICS enables this through seamless communication across all command levels, a user-friendly interface, and features tailored to the user's role within the command chain. Reducing the time from detection to destruction becomes a reality.
Instant tactical awareness, Blue Force Tracking (BFT), and integrated messaging at the level of combined and air-land operations.
SICS is battle-tested and hardened. We understand that C4ISR and BMS systems must function in Denied, Degraded, Intermittent, and Limited (DDIL) environments. SICS is communication-agnostic and works across various tactical networks (IP radio, LTE networks, SATCOM, low bandwidth, etc.).
Combat operations often occur in a coalition context. Combined and joint dimensions are now the norm. SICS is fully interoperable, ensuring all stakeholders speak the same language and share a common operational picture. SICS integrates easily with both next-gen and legacy platforms.
Native interoperability
In tense contexts where our forces and allies face near-peer adversaries, constant adaptation, collaborative combat, and joint operations capabilities are crucial for gaining the upper hand.
Collaborative combat is multi-faceted: it not only encompasses coordination between services and nations, but also requires doctrinal integration for joint operation preparation, and system interoperability for tactical efficiency.
The SICS solution range is committed to meeting collaborative combat expectations, both operationally and systemically.
Forces readiness for Joint-Operations:
- Proven in Combat: SICS has been validated in combat. It was deployed in operations in Mali and is used during operational exercises (French Army, NATO).
- Active participation in NATO’s Federated Mission Networking (FMN): This NATO initiative aims to improve communication, training, and interoperability with allied and partner forces, fostering information sharing and coalition readiness.
- Ongoing Work on Structural Interoperability: We are continuously working to enhance interoperability with allied systems at multiple levels, including symbology, communication standards, and protocols.
Forces Coordination:
- SICS solution enables collaborative combat from tactical command posts to Army light aviation and dismounted soldiers. Interfaces are designed per command level to meet the operational needs of every link in the command chain.
- As a battlefield digitization solution, SICS provides Blue Force Tracking and tactical situational awareness to deployed forces -both in combined and joint-force contexts.
- Belgian/French operational interoperability: SICS will be integrated into SCORPION vehicles deployed by the Belgian land forces as part of the CaMo partnership, creating a fully interoperable Belgian/French Allied Tactical Sub-Group.
Interoperability with robotics:
- Eviden participates to MARSEUS, a European Defense Fund (EDF) project, which aims to study and demonstrate a Command and Control (C2) solution integrating robotics, to deliver advanced operational superiority, including through over the horizon firing capability.
- Eviden is developing a universal gateway to interface SICS with various air-ground drones, robotic systems, sensors, and remote-operated munitions.
Our client
Commanding Officer
Commanding Officer
This combat management system transforms how we understand combat and battlefield situations. And likely, over time, how we command, prepare, and transmit orders.
Captain
Captain
Understanding the tactical situation with SICS is greatly simplified. First, because I know who is doing what and where, which gives me a clearer view of the battlefield. Then, by using tools like analytical mapping, I can improve my decision-making process.
Related resources
French Army Light Aviation
Eviden announces SICS ALAT, the combat information system of the SCORPION program, to be embedded in the aircraft of the French Army Light Aviation by 2026.
SICS brochure
Discover the SCORPION Combat Information System (SICS), developed by Eviden, which enhances the French Army's combat capabilities by integrating and leveraging combat data to ensure tactical superiority.
Colonel Aubry : Interview
Watch the interview of Colonel Aubry, commanding officer of the 13th French Foreign Legion battle group.
Captain Antoine : Interview
Watch the interview of Captain Antoine, Coy Bravo Company Commander of the 13th French Foreign Legion battle group.
Captain Paul : Interview
Watch the interview of Captain Paul, Battle Group chief of operations of the 13th French Foreign Legion battle group.
Lieutenant Mathieu : Interview
Watch the interview of Lieutenant Mathieu, platoon leader in 4th company of the 13th French Foreign Legion battle group.
Mikhail : Interview
Watch the interview of Mikhail, squad leader of 2nd Section, 4th Company of the 13th French Foreign Legion battle group.
Introduce SICS in 3 words
Watch an interview with Sylvain Gonnet, Eviden SICS Strategy Director, live from our stand at Eurosatory 2022.
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