Indra and Idbotic to Develop Advanced Hardware Encryption for Future European Air Combat System

In a groundbreaking move, Indra, a leading Spanish defense and technology company, has partnered with the innovative Spanish startup Idbotic to enhance the security of Europe’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS). This collaboration aims to develop cutting-edge hardware encryption solutions that will safeguard the integrity and security of the FCAS’s sensors and systems.

The FCAS represents Europe’s vision for next-generation aerial warfare, featuring a sixth-generation fighter aircraft that will operate in tandem with remotely piloted aerial platforms. At the heart of this system lies the concept of a “combat cloud,” a sophisticated network that ensures seamless real-time data exchange between air, ground, and sea platforms. Indra, serving as the coordinator of the program in Spain, is at the forefront of this ambitious project.

One of the most exciting aspects of this collaboration is the creation of a “non-clonable” identity for the FCAS sensors and systems. This unique identity will enable secure, real-time data exchange, ensuring that the information shared within the combat cloud remains unbreachable. This security measure is crucial for maintaining the operational integrity and effectiveness of the FCAS in high-stakes combat scenarios.

The agreement between Indra and Idbotic includes three parallel projects aimed at providing robust security at multiple levels:

1. Non-Clonable Physical Function: This project focuses on enhancing hardware security, ensuring that the physical components of the FCAS are protected against cloning and unauthorized replication.

2. Distributed Registration Technology: This initiative aims to facilitate the rapid and secure distribution of private keys, which are essential for encrypted communications within the combat cloud.

3. Fully Homomorphic Encryption: This advanced encryption technique integrates encryption and decryption processes that are resistant to post-quantum attacks, ensuring long-term security in the face of evolving technological threats.

Cesar Goyache, President of Idbotic, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “Our joining the NGWS (Next Generation Weapons System)/FCAS program allows us to make strides in our development of a dual technology that will find an enormous range of applications. We are proud to be collaborating with a great Spanish technology company such as Indra, which has opened its doors and facilitated our entry into what is undoubtedly one of the most exciting technology programs underway in Europe today.”

The FCAS program is a testament to Europe’s commitment to maintaining technological superiority in aerial combat. By integrating advanced encryption technologies, the FCAS will not only enhance its situational awareness but also ensure that all platforms within the combat cloud can coordinate their actions as a unified force. This level of integration and security is unprecedented, setting a new standard for future combat systems.

Indra and Idbotic’s collaboration marks a significant step forward in the development of the FCAS, showcasing Europe’s capability to innovate and lead in the realm of defense technology. As the program progresses, it promises to deliver a combat system that is not only highly effective but also exceptionally secure, ready to meet the challenges of modern warfare.