France Signs €480M Deal with Airbus, Naval Group to Upgrade Navy Communication Network

The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has awarded a €480 million contract to Airbus Defence and Space and Naval Group to upgrade and maintain the French Navy’s communication systems over 10 years.

The contract for the IP Network of the Naval Force (RIFAN) stage 3 has been awarded to an industrial consortium led by Airbus Defence and Space, which also includes Naval Group.

The agreement covers the development, deployment, and operational maintenance of upgraded naval communication systems. Airbus Defence and Space has supported the French Navy’s communication networks for nearly 15 years.

Development will take place between 2026 and 2030, with deployment on more than 80 vessels from 2028 to 2032. Ships to be equipped include aircraft carriers, amphibious helicopter carriers, frigates, command and supply vessels, patrol vessels, minesweepers, submarines, and support vessels.

RIFAN 3 will increase inter-ship connectivity and enable collaborative combat through high-speed, low-latency transmission systems on front-line vessels. The system will also feature rapid reconfiguration capabilities and enhanced cybersecurity to address evolving operational and cyber threats.

RIFAN 2, commissioned between 2012 and 2016, integrated communication resources such as Syracuse IV, Comcept, commercial satellite constellations (LEO, MEO, GEO), and radio systems. It supports secure data exchange across multiple classification levels, from unprotected to secret.

The RIFAN 3 upgrade aims to enhance naval interoperability and improve communication resilience during maritime operations.