Defence, Space & NewSpace
Defence, Space and NewSpace programmes combine sovereignty requirements, export constraints, enhanced cybersecurity and intense schedule pressure, within a complex environment of subcontracting and international cooperation.
High-stakes regulatory and contractual environments
ELA supports prime contractors, equipment manufacturers and start-ups in securing architectures, contracts and interfaces with the authorities (DGA, CNES, SGDSN, ANSSI), while preserving the agility required for programmes and funding.
In a context of growing sovereignty, national defence secrecy, cybersecurity and funding control requirements, ELA helps key players in the defence industrial and technological base to structure governance and compliance frameworks that meet the expectations of the State and major contracting authorities.
This approach combines a deep understanding of the life cycles of armament and space programmes, the constraints of a war‑economy environment and the innovation imperatives of start‑ups, turning compliance into a lever for sustainably securing contracts and relationships with the authorities.
ELA: NewSpace partner n°1 in France!
ELA is the go‑to partner for NewSpace companies and start‑ups in France, with a solid track record: around 70% of NewSpace players now place their trust in us!
We are regularly called in to remedy inadequate approaches or advice and to deliver practical solutions, in close cooperation with the supervising authorities.
Our business expertise and unique analytical capabilities are widely recognised across the entire space value chain.
We provide support on ML/dual‑use export controls, compliance with the French Space Operations Act, AMA requirements, frequency planning and launch campaigns, within a long‑term, trust‑based partnership approach.
In practical terms, we build export, customs and cybersecurity compliance frameworks tailored to the defence and space sectors, designed to reassure institutional and banking partners without stifling innovation or business momentum.
Defence & dual‑use programmes
ELA assists French defence and dual‑use manufacturers in securing their sensitive programmes by aligning their contractual, organisational and technical practices with the requirements of IGI 1300, the Defence Programming Law (LPM), NIS2 and the export control and sanctions regimes applicable to the sector.
ELA helps to structure an integrated compliance governance (export control, sanctions, cybersecurity, protection of sensitive information) inspired by leading international standards: risk mapping, policies and procedures, third‑party due diligence, access management and compartmentalisation, as well as the framing of international cooperation and technology transfers.
ELA also provides operational and strategic support to legal, compliance, procurement and IT departments, as well as governing bodies, for managing relationships with the authorities (DGA, SGDSN, ANSSI, SBDU), conducting audits and internal investigations, handling incidents (cyber, export, secrecy) and demonstrating to public contracting authorities that risk management frameworks are in line with market best practice.
Institutional Space & NewSpace
Orbital slots, frequency plans, ITU/ANFR filings, launch campaign security plans, PASI, compliance with the French Space Operations Act (including imagery): we integrate regulatory and customer requirements (agencies, primes, critical operators) from the design phase of projects and architectures.
We implement export‑control and sensitive‑data protection frameworks adapted both to traditional space players and to NewSpace models (fast iterations, fundraising, internationalisation), in order to secure relationships with investors, industrial partners and institutional customers.
Training and compliance skills alone are not enough; up‑to‑date, hands‑on business knowledge is essential.
Space in 2026 is no longer what it was in 2010: ELA’s engineers do not sell their name or their past; they deal every day with NewSpace issues, whereas other “old‑school” experts often remain locked into traditional mindsets.
ELA brings genuine applied business expertise: understanding the architecture of a ground segment, an OBC, an AOCS, etc., means classification decisions are taken on solid technical grounds. Knowing launch campaigns and related customs constraints means securing the success of your operations.
