Leading cybersecurity adopters and providers in defence

Cybersecurity should be a key concern for all organisations in the defence sector, but who are the companies making their mark within the cybersecurity theme? Here we look at some of the defence companies currently leading the way in deploying cybersecurity solutions and the specialist vendors of such solutions to the sector.

Airbus, France 

Airbus is an aerospace company that specializes in providing aeronautics, as well as defense and space systems. Airbus is also a vendor and operates in cybersecurity. Airbus has a unit called Air CyberSecurity, which aims to enhance the development of end-to-end secured systems and strengthen Airbus’ cryptography capabilities. In April 2022, Airbus announced the acquisition of Datensicherheit, a German-based company that provides cryptography and communication systems for space, aerospace, land, and sea. It will operate under the name Aerospace Data Security. This acquisition bolstered Airbus’ cryptography capabilities and enhanced the development of end-to-end secured systems to protect security and privacy.   

In 2017, Airbus collaborated with Cardiff University to create the Airbus Center of Excellence in Cyber Security Analytics. The center is a key base of cybersecurity research and analysis in the UK. It has received more than GBP5 million ($6.1 billion) in funding for research into the use of data analytics and AI for cyber-attack detection. Some of its developments are now protecting critical national infrastructure, strengthening cybersecurity for the benefit of its European and global customers, including major programs like the Future Combat Air System (FCAS).   

Boeing, US 

Boeing designs, develops, and manufactures commercial and military aircraft and space, defense, and security systems. Boeing has incorporated cybersecurity into its business strategy through various initiatives and partnerships. The company operates various cybersecurity measures, such as its Hardware Wall that provides security in the transfer of data and a Multimedia Message Manager (M3) for real-time inbound and outbound data dissemination.  

Boeing has established a hub in Northern Virginia that aims to support digital innovation in cybersecurity, autonomous operations, quantum sciences, and software and systems engineering. Furthermore, Boeing is using partnerships to strengthen its cybersecurity solutions. It partnered with Microsoft in 2022 to use Microsoft Cloud and its AI capabilities to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of cybersecurity measures.  

Honeywell, US 

Honeywell is a defense engineering and technology company that invest and manufacturers technologies in energy security, safety, productivity, and global urbanization, as well as in aerospace.   

Honeywell is expanding its cybersecurity portfolio with a solution called Honeywell Threat Defense Platform (HTDP), powered by Acalvio Technologies, which provides threat defense solutions for the public sector. HTDP detects known and unknown attacks across operational technology environments in commercial buildings. The solution employs active defense and deception tactics to outsmart attackers and provides high-fidelity threat detection. It uses deception elements – a cybersecurity solution designed to trick cybercriminals into detecting ransomware and zero-day variants with precision and speed.   

L3 Harris, US 

L3 Harris is a global defense technology company that provides advanced defense systems technologies across sea, land, space, air, and cyber areas. In 2022, L3 Harris partnered with venture capital firm Shield Capital to foster emerging defense and commercial technologies that addressed customers’ growing requirements for innovative solutions. This partnership enabled L3 Harris to access disruptive innovators for technology transfer, teaming arrangements, direct investments, and potential acquisitions in the cybersecurity space.   

Northrop Grumman, US 

Northrop Grumman is a defense contractor that provides military products, such as unmanned systems, aircraft, autonomous systems, cybersecurity, C4ISR, logistics, and modernization services. Northrop Grumman serves as both a vendor and an adopter of cybersecurity. As a cybersecurity vendor, Northrop Grumman provides cybersecurity services for Kirkland Air Force Base. Northrop Grumman’s Albuquerque, New Mexico facility supports Kirkland Air Force Base by providing space systems engineering, integrated mission operations, and cybersecurity services. In collaboration with Aeronix, a provider of custom engineering design and development solutions, Northrop Grumman will build a secure connective networking layer in space, including the development of a Space End Crypto Unit (ECU) prototype that connects platforms and weapons, and provide added network security to critical missions for the Space Force.  

Furthermore, Northrop Grumman collaborated with AT&T in 2022 to research and develop a digital battle network powered by AT&T 5G and Northrop Grumman’s advanced mission systems. This collaboration delivered cost-effective, scalable, and secure solutions that helped the Department of Defense (DoD) connect distributed sensors, shooters, and data from all domains and forces.   

Rafael, Israel 

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is known for providing defense systems for aerospace, land, sea, and space applications, but is also involved in cybersecurity through various initiatives and collaborations. In 2021, Rafael Advanced Systems has had an agreement partnered with Ben-Gurion University to develop cybersecurity, robotics, and AI solutions to strengthen cybersecurity measures. The collaboration will focus on projects related to autonomous driving software, cybersecurity resilience, and using AI to identify and protect against cyber breaches.   

Moreover, Rafael Advanced Systems offers cybersecurity solutions as part of its Cyber and Security divisions, such as the National Security Operation Center, SPECTRA Sigint Systems, and PUZZLE and IMILITE Centers – an AI-based multi-domain intelligence.  These divisions will secure Rafael Advanced Systems’ cybersecurity measures against future cyberattacks and protect valuable data from cyber breaches.   

Thales, France 

Thales has taken significant measures to strengthen cybersecurity measures. It is developing customer solutions based on Google Cloud’s technology to address security and performance for cloud deployment. Combining Thales’ Combat Digital Platform – a cybersecure platform enabling collaborative engagements and information sharing for land forces in battlespace– with Google Cloud’s enterprise-grade solutions and infrastructure, the two companies will work closely to extend data security initiatives.

BAE Systems, UK 

BAE Systems is an aerospace and defense contractor that provides defense, aerospace, and security solutions in the air, land, and maritime sectors, but it also operates and provides cybersecurity solutions. These include incident response, secure operations center design and delivery, security testing, and national security and law enforcement solutions. In 2022, BAE Systems was awarded a $14 million contract from the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA), a US government agency, to develop tools for data security. This contract involves the development of AI technology and digital signal processing techniques to enhance the abilities of the Intelligence Community (IC) and the US Department of Defense (DoD) in protecting information and data.   

BAE Systems is developing new approaches to defeating adversaries by overwhelming them with complexities, integrating advanced radar cybersecurity, digital engineering, and modeling and simulations. In August 2020, the US Air Force (USAF) Research Laboratory contracted BAE Systems to continue developing, deploying, modernizing, and maintaining cross-domain solutions that secure sensitive information transfer between government networks. Therefore, BAE Systems is actively involved in developing cybersecurity solutions to ensure the security of its own systems and products against cyber threats, as well as authorizing access to US’ DoD and the intelligence community.   

Booz Allen Hamilton, US 

Booz Allen Hamilton is a US provider of cybersecurity services in the defense, federal, and civilian markets. Its cybersecurity solutions cover three core areas: cyber risk, cyber defense, and cyber platforms.   

In January 2022, the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) awarded Booz Allen Hamilton a $6.8 million contract to produce Thunderdome, the first working prototype of its zero-trust security and network architecture program. In February 2024, Booz Allen Hamilton wins an $8.6 million contract from the US’ Department of Defense Chief Information Officer to provide technical support service. This includes cybersecurity reporting, research and analysis, policies and guidance, risk assessment, and supply chain security. The work will be performed at the Pentagon, and the estimated contract completion date is November 2024.   

General Dynamics, US 

General Dynamics is a global defense contractor that designs, engineers, and manufactures aerospace products. General Dynamics is also involved in cybersecurity solutions through its General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) unit. GDIT offers cybersecurity services and solutions to the public and private sectors, including information, personnel, and communications security, as well as counterintelligence analysis and cybersecurity assessments.   

In May 2024, General Dynamics’s GDIT was awarded $185 million task order to provide global security services for US Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC). This contract will allow General Dynamics’s GDIT to use its cybersecurity expertise and zero trust solutions to protect the US Air Force’s industrial control systems. In addition, under the contract, GDIT will develop innovative strategies to reduce cybersecurity risks to the Air Force’s critical infrastructure, including airfield control systems.   

Leidos, US 

Leidos is integrating cybersecurity solutions into its products, focusing on machine learning and zero trust. Its products are described as full-spectrum, as they can supply offensive, defensive, and cyber-physical systems. They use advanced and predictive analytics to quickly detect and respond to breaches. Since June 2021, Leidos has worked closely with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) under a $61.5 million contract, which involves supporting the agencies and providing them with technical capabilities to help protect national infrastructure.   

In 2023, Leidos was awarded a $918 million contract by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to support and enhance its network. This contract includes providing program management, operations and maintenance, systems engineering, training, information assurance, and integration of classified and unclassified cloud computing capabilities.  

Leonardo, Italy 

Leonardo is a provider of global security and advanced technology systems for applications in the aerospace, defense, and security sectors, but also operates and provides cybersecurity solutions. Leonardo offers cybersecurity solutions such as the Cyber Range platform, which – a platform that monitors, identifies, and analyzes cyber threats. This will play a crucial role in Leonardo’s cyber defense, including physical and cybernetic security.  

Moreover, Leonardo has also developed solutions for the education and training of cybersecurity operators in the defense and civil sectors as part of Leonardo’s multi-domain technologies to meet military readiness. Leonardo will offer a complete cybersecurity certification and training programs, as well as special initiatives that are designed to meet the needs of organizations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of a strategic partnership.   

Lockheed Martin, US 

Lockheed Martin is an aerospace and defense manufacturer. Lockheed Martin is involved in the research and design, development, manufacturing, and integration of advanced technology systems, products, and services, including cybersecurity.   

Lockheed Martin provides cybersecurity services and products, including research on advanced technology, cross-domain solutions, cyber kill chain – a concept in cybersecurity to describe the stages of a cyberattacks – digital forensics, and multi-domain operations. In collaboration with the US Army Civilian Career Management Activity (ACCMA), Lockheed Martin’s cyber management solution called Mission Readiness & Reporting (MR2), Mission Readiness & Reporting (MR2), provides web-based training to nearly 17,000 US Army personnel.   

In November 2022, Lockheed Martin collaborated with the US Army Civilian Career Management Activity (ACCMA) to provide web-based cyber training to nearly 17,000 US Army personnel. The training is provided as part of an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) – a legal award by the federal government that is not a contract, cooperative or grant – by the US Army. Lockheed Martin have delivered this training using MR2. This will allow the army to identify, assess, cultivate, and train its remote-based civilian employees, based on their individual capabilities, whilst adhering to the US DoD’s Cyber Workforce Framework.