By Stephanie Dwilson | 2026-02-03

France and the United States conducted up-close satellite maneuvers in November as part of a US-led space program known as Multinational Force-Operation Olympic Defender (MNF-OOD).

The rendezvous and proximity operation (RPO) involved successfully maneuvering two satellites in close range of each other.

It was the second joint orbital exercise the countries have conducted together, and the first operation conducted within the framework of Olympic Defender.

"This outstanding operation remains the first of its kind, as it involves a multinational coordinated satellite maneuver planned between the seven partner nations of MNF-OOD," France's space command said in a December 15 statement.

"It demonstrates the ability to respond and maneuver jointly in space and illustrates the commitment of France and the United States to making MNF-OOD operational," the Commandement de l’Espace (CDE) added.

"This operation also proves France's ability to conduct dynamic and responsible operations to deter adversaries from acting against our space interests."

Being able to perform these maneuvers without incident means the countries could theoretically work together on activities such as refueling, repairs or even attacking adversary satellites if necessary.

US Space Command said the operation demonstrated "our coalition’s capacity to plan and execute dynamic and responsible space operations."

It also shows the "steadfast commitment" of both nations "to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in defense of our shared interests in space," it said in a statement.

The United Kingdom also conducted a rendezvous and proximity operation with the United States, in September.

During that maneuver, a satellite operated by US Space Command was used to check whether SKYNET 5A, a UK military communications satellite, was operating in orbit as intended.

Other members of Olympic Defender are in early discussions about conducting similar joint rendezvous missions, head of US Space Forces Space Command Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess said in late September, per Breaking Defense.

Operation Olympic Defender

Six countries are working with the United States as part of Olympic Defender: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Olympic Defender is a permanent military operation that was originally established in 2013 under US Strategic Command, and in 2020 began to expand into a multinational effort.

It is focused on enhancing the resilience of space-based systems, synchronizing the efforts of international collaborators, and strengthening deterrence against hostile actors, according to US Space Command.

"The US authorities see it as a key way to work together on space control," the French space command said in a December 15 statement. "Its scope covers space domain awareness (SDA) and the defense of space capabilities."

For France, joining MNF-OOD symbolized the long relationship between the two nations and invoked the spirit of Gen. Lafayette, who volunteered to join George Washington's Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.

It "is a return to the spirit of Lafayette to defend together freedom in space against growing threats," French space command head Maj. Gen. Phillipe Adam said during an October 2024 ceremony in Paris.

"It marks a new stage in the conduct of military space operations in coalition and sends out a clear message of strategic solidarity with our allies," he said at the event, where US Space Command formally recognized France’s membership.