Airbus Defense and Space won a $500 million contract this week to improve and upgrade French naval vessels’ communication systems. 

As part of the contract, Airbus will equip some 80 French vessels with the RIFAN 3 network. The RIFAN 3 network is the version of Airbus’ high-speed, low-latency communications system and will boost connectivity between ships and prepare the French navy for collaborative combat.

“With RIFAN 3, we are preparing for the next stage,” said Eric Even, head of space digital at Airbus Defense and Space, of the contract. “That of collaborative naval combat, networked combat of all assets and platforms involved in naval operations.”

Airbus’ upcoming RIFAN 3 upgrade will be available to a host of French ships, including the nation’s Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, submarines, helicopters and frigates. The contract has a maximum 10-year duration, and Airbus confirmed that most ships will receive the upgrade between 2028 and 2030.

Most French vessels operate with the previous version of Airbus’ communications system, RIFAN 2, which was implemented between 2012 and 2016. Airbus said the RIFAN 3 upgrade will build on the previous system’s strengths while improving cybersecurity measures.

The improvements come as cyber and electronic warfare emerge as key tactics in the ongoing war in Ukraine. Jamming technology has forced naval leaders and defense contractors to develop new tactics and technology to safely navigate combat scenarios. 

• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.