Airbus To Develop Encrypted Data Tech For UK’s A400 Airlifters

Airbus has won a 3.3 million euro UK contract to develop cryptographic key management technology to equip its A400M military transport aircraft.

“The Cryptographic solution will be supplied to the A400M military transport aircraft program to provide protection for encrypted data and prevent data compromise threatening the safety and security of an aircraft’s mission,” the company said in a statement at DSEi Monday.

Cryptographic technology eliminates the need for crypto equipment aboard an airborne platform to be individually re-keyed before every mission. It provides increased flexibility and permits prolonged out-of-area operation.

The initial development contract for the A400M, comprises of design, develop, manufacture, accredit and deliver the A400M Local Crypto Key Management System, in the initial 15 month development phase; with an additional range of options to extend the support, and provide Post Design Services up until 2020.

“Crypto and Key Management secures the communications and other systems of an aircraft and our technology will play a role in providing protection for encrypted data across key military platforms,” said Colin Paynter, Head of Airbus Defense and Space in the UK.

“The Airbus cyber security UK team is now in discussions with other MOD platform IPTs about building after delivering Cryptography and Key Management capability to in-service platforms,” Paynter said.