The French armed forces operate networks with different classification levels and data needs to move between them, and Airbus will build the checkpoints. The French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) has awarded the company the 25-year PARACOM to provide cybersecurity gateways for the networks of the Ministry of Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, Airbus announced on Wednesday.
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The contract was awarded to Airbus Cybersecurity SAS, a subsidiary, following a competitive bidding process. It covers the design, development, production and long-term maintenance of the gateways.
Airbus did not disclose its value. The gateways are intended to enable secure, filtered exchanges between networks and information systems with different levels of classification or sensitivity.
The need for such cybersecurity gateways is particularly critical in an environment where the digitalization of military operations is constantly increasing. The data moving between different networks can include sensitive information, secret military plans, and even unclassified information that requires protection from potential cyberattacks. Airbus, with its experience in the defense and cybersecurity sectors, is able to provide solutions that enhance the security of this data.
According to Airbus, PARACOM will be approved and certified for exchanges ranging from “secret” to “unclassified” and will be deployed across all armed forces and ministry directorates and departments. This means that the portals will be able to manage data with different levels of sensitivity, ensuring that only authorized users have access to specific information.
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The hardware will be available in several versions: a rack-mounted unit for data centers, a standalone unit for command posts, and variants for limited tactical deployments. This flexibility allows the solutions to be tailored to the different needs of military units, from large data centers to smaller, more mobile units in the field.
Airbus lists surface vessels, submarines, aircraft, helicopters, drones, and armored and ground vehicles among the platforms envisaged. This shows the broad application of cybersecurity gateways across various military assets, ensuring that all units, regardless of their operating environment, will have access to secure and reliable networks.
The company said that the increasing digitalization of military operations and the threats that come with it have made filtering data streams a major priority for the armed forces. Cybersecurity is now an integral part of military strategy, as modern threats are not limited to physical attacks but also include cyberattacks that can paralyze critical infrastructure.
“This gateway reinforces the digital shield on which the French Armed Forces rely to carry out their missions,” said François Lombard, director of connected intelligence at Airbus Defense and Space. He noted that Airbus has been providing gateway solutions to the French land forces since 2013, underlining the company’s experience and credibility in this field.
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In cybersecurity, twenty-five years is a significant period. By the end of this contract, today's threats may seem outdated. However, the constant evolution of technologies and threats requires constant adaptation and upgrading of security systems. This collaboration between Airbus and the French Army is an important step towards strengthening the security of military networks, ensuring that France will be able to face future cybersecurity challenges.
