Cybersecurity Specialists to be Trained by Airbus for the French Defense Ministry
France Strengthens Cybersecurity Training for Armed Forces with Airbus Defence and Space
The French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) has signed an eight-year framework contract with Airbus Defence and Space and co-contractor Neverhack, to bolster cybersecurity training for the Ministry of the Armed Forces.
Under the terms of the contract, Airbus Defence and Space will lead the initiative, with Neverhack providing support. The focus is on the education and operational preparation of all cybersecurity experts in the French Armed Forces, including cyber warriors across all military branches.
The deliverables of the contract include the development, production, and operational maintenance of advanced training platforms that simulate military cyber environments. These platforms will offer training and coaching services, creating operational cyber defense scenarios covering a broad spectrum of cyber threats.
One of the key outcomes of the contract is the establishment of a cyber defence training centre at the Cyber Defence Academy of the Cyber Defence Command (COMCYBER) near Rennes. This centre will be equipped for both routine instruction and large-scale cyber exercises like Orion and DefNet.
The platforms developed will mimic military networks and systems, including command and control (C4ISR) and weapon systems, enabling realistic attack-defense simulations relevant to military cyber operations.
To ensure the training platforms evolve to counter emerging cyber threats and technologies, Airbus Defence and Space will collaborate with startups and SMEs, especially in artificial intelligence.
This comprehensive, evolving program aims to increase the pool of cybersecurity experts, strengthen the cyber defense capabilities of the armed forces, and enhance operational maturity against evolving cyber threats.
In addition to the training initiatives, Airbus Defence and Space provides Tactical SOCs for external operations (OPEX) to oversee the security of its information and communication systems. The company also deploys SOCs (Security Operation Centres) in mainland France by the Ministry of the Armed Forces.
The Airbus Defence and Space CyberRange platforms are already deployed in more than 25 partner schools, equipping cybersecurity training courses. The aim of the cyber training is to strengthen the cyber defence techniques of the armed forces and improve their effectiveness and operational maturity.
- The new cybersecurity training program for the French Armed Forces, led by Airbus Defence and Space and co-contractor Neverhack, will leverage technology to develop advanced training platforms that simulate military cyber environments.
- To stay ahead of emerging cyber threats and technologies, Airbus Defence and Space will collaborate with startups and SMEs, particularly in connection with artificial intelligence advancements.
