Thales, the French technology company, has been tapped by the country's military procurement agency to research next-generation active radar antenna.

The research will demonstrate multi-function panel technology and new scalable architectures for computers. These new antennas are designed to eventually equip the Rafale fighters of the French Air Force and unmanned aerial vehicles.

DGA said that after achieving a European "first" with the active electronically-scanned antenna radar fitted to production Rafale fighters, France intends to maintain its leadership position in the field of airborne radars.

"These studies will demonstrate the maturity of components and produce multi-function antennas for radar, electronic warfare and communications applications," said the Direction Générale de l'Armement, or DGA. "These new antennas will also offer a significant advantage in terms of range and aircraft detectability, and will maintain the French combat aviation industry at the highest technological level."

No details on the contract's time frame were given.

DGA said it invests about $926 million every year in preliminary studies on military technology.