Airbus Secures $500 Million Contract to Upgrade French Navy Communications

The RIFAN 3 project will enhance secure inter-ship connectivity across more than 80 vessels, with deployment planned between 2028 and 2032.

 

Feb. 28, 2025

 

Airbus Defence and Space, in partnership with French contractor Naval Group, has secured a contract worth approximately $500 million to develop a communication network for the French air and naval forces.

 

The initiative, known as RIFAN 3, aims to enhance inter-ship connectivity to support collaborative naval combat and networked operations. The deployment is planned for over 80 vessels, including aircraft carriers, frigates, patrol vessels, submarines, and amphibious helicopter carriers, between 2028 and 2032. ​

 

The project, awarded by the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA), is set to span up to ten years. ​

 

Development work for RIFAN 3 is scheduled between 2026 and 2030, encompassing system upgrades, deployment, and maintenance. A significant focus of the project is on bolstering cybersecurity measures to ensure operational continuity amid evolving cyber threats. ​

 

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