The RIFAN 3 network aims to enhance inter-ship connectivity to support collaborative naval combat and networked operations. Airbus Defence and Space, which has been involved in French Navy communication systems for nearly 15 years, will integrate high-speed, low-latency transmission technologies to improve coordination across naval platforms.
The programme will be implemented in incremental stages between 2026 and 2030, with deployment on vessels from 2028 to 2032. Over 80 ships will receive the RIFAN 3 upgrade, including aircraft carriers, amphibious helicopter carriers, frigates, patrol vessels, minesweepers, submarines, and support vessels.
A key objective of the project is to increase the resilience of naval communications, ensuring secure, adaptable, and reliable data exchange across different operational scenarios. Airbus will introduce rapid reconfiguration mechanisms to maintain connectivity in changing tactical conditions while reinforcing cybersecurity measures to counter evolving threats.
RIFAN 3 builds on the success of RIFAN 2, which was commissioned between 2012 and 2016 to integrate all available communication resources onboard French Navy vessels. The system utilises Syracuse IV, Comcept, commercial satellite constellations (LEO, MEO, GEO), and radio communications to enable a secure IP-based network capable of handling data up to ‘secret’ classification levels.
