Ukrainian An-124 Ruslan aircraft selected to transport French CSO-3 satellite

Ukrainian transport aircraft An-124 was involved in the project to launch the French military satellite CSO-3.

Here's What We Know

The French newspaper Latribune published a photo of the aircraft that delivered the satellite to the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana.

CSO-3 is the third and final vehicle in a series of military reconnaissance satellites created under the MUSIS programme for the French Space Command. It was launched on 6 March 2025 by an Ariane 6 launch vehicle.

The Ukrainian An-124 was chosen for the transport because of its large cargo compartment, which allows for the transport of bulky cargo. Earlier, this aircraft was also used to withdraw the French contingent from Chad.

With the introduction of CSO-3, the French military will be able to monitor the same area twice a day instead of once. In short, France's total investment in the CSO programme has exceeded €900 million.

CSO-3 became part of the French orbiting optoelectronic reconnaissance group. Its launch was an important step towards Europe's independent access to space, especially against the backdrop of deteriorating relations with the new US administration.

The satellite's intelligence is expected to be available not only to France, but also to Germany and Belgium, which invested in its creation. There is also a high probability that CSO-3 will also provide satellite imagery to the Ukrainian Defence Forces, as France has already declared its readiness to share intelligence.

Source: Latribune