Airbus Defence and Space, in collaboration with Naval Group, has won a contract worth up to €480 million (US$504 million) to modernize the French Navy’s communications network. This upgrade is aimed at preparing the naval forces for a new era of networked and collaborative combat.
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RIFAN 3: A Major Leap in Naval Connectivity
Airbus will lead an industrial consortium to deploy the RIFAN 3 network on over 80 French naval vessels, including the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, amphibious helicopter carriers, frigates, and submarines. The new system is set to be installed between 2028 and 2032.
The primary objective of RIFAN 3 is to enhance connectivity between frontline ships, providing high-speed and low-latency communication for seamless coordination during naval operations. The system will also feature advanced security measures to counter growing cyber threats.
Preparing for Future Naval Warfare
According to Airbus, RIFAN 3 will play a crucial role in enabling networked combat across all naval assets and platforms. Eric Even, head of space digital at Airbus Defence and Space, emphasized that the upgrade will pave the way for the next stage of collaborative naval warfare.
Currently, the French Navy operates the RIFAN 2 network, which was introduced between 2012 and 2016. This system allows vessels to communicate securely over an IP network and exchange classified data. The upcoming RIFAN 3 will improve resilience by enabling rapid reconfiguration of communication channels, ensuring adaptability in various tactical and operational scenarios.
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Addressing Emerging Threats
The contract comes at a time when electronic warfare is becoming increasingly popular. The war in Ukraine has demonstrated the increasing use of electronic jamming, and the French Navy’s carrier strike group regularly trains for operations in degraded conditions, including the loss of satellite communications.
Timeline and Key Features
The contract has a maximum duration of 10 years, covering the development of RIFAN 3 from 2026 to 2030, followed by deployment and operational maintenance. The upgraded system will incorporate high-speed, line-of-sight communications, a unified IP telephony network, and enhanced cybersecurity.
Several French companies, including Safran and Cailabs, are working on secure laser-based communication technology, which could be integrated into RIFAN 3 for ship-to-ship data transfers. This could further strengthen the French Navy’s ability to operate in environments where traditional communications are compromised.
A Strategic Investment in Naval Defense
The RIFAN 3 upgrade marks a significant investment in the future of French naval warfare. By enhancing connectivity, security, and adaptability, the system will ensure that the French Navy remains prepared for the evolving challenges of modern naval combat.
