Airbus wins €480 million contract to build communications network for French air and naval forces
The RIFAN 3 network will be deployed across more than 80 French navy and air force vessels. (Photo: Airbus)
The IP Network, named RIFAN 3, will build on the work of previous RIFAN 2 network, with development work carried out on the new system between 2026 to 2030.
Airbus Defence and Space has been awarded a contract by the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA), alongside France-based naval contractor Naval Group, to build a communications network for the French air and naval forces.
The contract has a maximum value of €480 million (US$503 million) and covers the next 10 years. Work on the IP Network of the Naval Force (RIFAN) 3 will cover the development, upgrade, deployment and operational maintenance of the communication network.
Development will be carried out between 2026 and 2030, according to Airbus, and deployed on ships between 2028 and 2032.
More than 80 vessels will be equipped with RIFAN 3 network, including aircraft carriers, frigates, patrol vessels, submarines and amphibious helicopter carriers.
Eric Even, head of space digital at Airbus Defence and Space, said: “With RIFAN 3, we are preparing for the next stage, that of collaborative naval combat, networked combat of all assets and platforms involved in naval operations.”
The RIFAN 2 system was commissioned by Airbus and the French Navy between 2012 and 2016. This new contract aims to increase inter-ship connectivity and, according to Airbus, meet the needs to collaborative combat – deployed on front-line vessels.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Suppliers await next step in Australia’s mine warfare transition]()
Suppliers await next step in Australia’s mine warfare transition
Australia’s mine countermeasure capability remains in flux as the Huon-class nears retirement, but accelerated investment in autonomous systems is opening a path for industry.
-
![Can the US Navy ask Indo-Pacific allies to do more while training with them less?]()
Can the US Navy ask Indo-Pacific allies to do more while training with them less?
As the Iran War draws US ships and marine corps units away from the Indo-Pacific, curtailed exercises and a temporary carrier gap are exposing tensions between Washington’s demand for more self-reliant allies and the joint training needed to realise that ambition.
-
![How could Rheinmetall’s GMF 140 fit with ongoing programmes in North America?]()
How could Rheinmetall’s GMF 140 fit with ongoing programmes in North America?
With Canada committed to its River-class replacement and the USN pursuing a lower-cost frigate, Rheinmetall will need to demonstrate where the GMF 140 can fill a capability gap in the North American fleet.
-
![Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment]()
Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment
Australian businesses can now bid to support Virginia-class submarine sustainment in Western Australia, as momentum around the Henderson Defence Precinct also builds.
-
![South Korea, Japan and Turkey vie for US shipbuilding access in future frigate contest]()
South Korea, Japan and Turkey vie for US shipbuilding access in future frigate contest
Washington’s search for a foreign-built frigate could hand South Korea, Japan and Turkey a larger prize than a double-hull order: a foothold inside the US shipbuilding industrial base.
-
![Japan’s FY2027 budget bets on stand-off systems to offset demographic decline]()
Japan’s FY2027 budget bets on stand-off systems to offset demographic decline
Japan’s FY2027 defence budget backs stand-off strike, a 17-aircraft MQ-9B buy and a declared bid to lead the world in uncrewed maritime assets, alongside new frigates, submarines and support ships.
