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The French defense procurement agency, the DGA, has awarded the contract for the third phase of the Naval Force Communications Network (RIFAN) to an industrial consortium led by Airbus Defense and Space. The contract has a maximum value of 480 million euros and a term of 10 years.
Scope and objectives of the contract
The consortium, which also includes Naval Group, will be responsible for the development, implementation and operational maintenance of the RIFAN upgrades. The contract aims to increase interconnectivity between ships to meet the needs of collaborative combat. This will be achieved through new high-speed, low-latency transmission capabilities deployed on front-line ships.
Implementation schedule
Developments of the RIFAN 3 system will occur gradually between 2026 and 2030, with deployment on ships planned for the period between 2028 and 2032. More than 80 ships, including aircraft carriers, amphibious helicopter carriers, frigates and submarines, will be equipped with the new network.
Improve network security
As cyber threats grow, the network is secured with more intensive cybersecurity measures to ensure the integrity and smooth flow of operations. Rapid reconfiguration mechanisms are being developed to adapt to the available means of communication in different tactical and operational scenarios.
RIFAN: Historical background and future prospects
Launched between 2012 and 2016 in collaboration with Airbus Defense and Space and partners, RIFAN 2 brings together the means of communication available on board. It creates a high security IP network to exchange data classified from ‘unprotected’ to ‘secret’. With RIFAN 3, Airbus is paving the way for connected maritime operations of the future.
Airbus Defense and Space has been involved in the development and deployment of French Navy networks and communications systems for almost 15 years. Their commitment underlines Airbus’ innovative strength and technological know-how in the defense industry.
