The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has awarded Airbus Defence and Space a contract to develop a communications network for the French Armed Forces’ surface and underwater fleets.The 480-million-euro ($502.7 million) project encompasses the assembly, deployment, and operational maintenance of the capability, which will be integrated into more than 80 ships between 2028 and 2032.Covered systems include fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft carriers, frigates, submarines, minesweepers, patrol boats, command and supply vessels, and support ships.Airbus will begin work for the initiative in 2026 in partnership with Naval Group, with the deal to extend for 10 years if all options are exercised.Modernizing IP Network of the Naval ForceAccording to Airbus, the resulting communications technology will serve as the third iteration of the French military’s Internet Protocol Network of the Naval Force (RIFAN) system.RIFAN 2, the current communications network, was activated in 2012 and has since been operational for connecting on-board capabilities, radio resources, and commercial satellite constellations that support tasks of commissioned vessels.The network also provides a “very high level of security” for “unprotected” to “secret” level data being exchanged between ships and commands.“This new RIFAN 3 contract aims, in particular, to increase inter-ship connectivity to progressively meet the needs of collaborative combat, thanks to new high-speed, low-latency transmission means that will be deployed on front-line vessels,” Airbus said.“The resilience of the network will also be strengthened by the development of rapid reconfiguration mechanisms to adapt to the available means of communication in different tactical and operational scenarios.”“In the face of growing cyber threats, the network will also rely on enhanced cybersecurity to preserve the integrity and continuity of operations.”The post Airbus to Build Joint Communications Network for French Warships appeared first on The Defense Post.