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Thales chosen to secure Galileo

21 July 2005

Thales has been chosen to specify and design the security policy of the Galileo satellite navigation system.

Galileo Industries and the European Space Agency (ESA), both in charge of the global architecture of the future European satellite navigation system, have chosen Thales' advanced security expertise to specify and design the security policy for Galileo.

Intended for civilian and commercial users as well as government applications, Galileo must ensure optimum security at all levels to achieve complete and reliable service. Security requirements include communications security, which entails protecting networks and signals; authentication and access control for each level of service; data confidentiality and integrity control; and attack prevention.

Thales operates on each Galileo segment whether it be space, control, mission or user terminals. A multi-domestic organisation integrating French, German and UK Thales subsidiaries provides cutting-edge expertise for each of these segments.

Thales will provide its know-how in communications security technologies for IP networks, dedicated links, and satellite systems, as well as its skills in terminal and data security including encryption, authentication and access control. Driven by its dual technological strategy in information systems security, Thales is the ideal partner for the future European satellite navigation system.

Commenting on the selection of Thales, Yves Perreal, Chief Security Officer at Galileo Industries said, "As the system is used for civilian and government applications, processes that optimize data and communications security are required. Thales' expertise in defining and developing effective security architectures were decisive factors in the choice made by Galileo Industries and ESA for this strategic aspect of the project".

About Thales
Thales is a leading international electronics and systems group serving defence, aerospace, security and services markets. The Group employs 60,000 people throughout the world and generated revenues of 10.3 billion euros in 2004.

Press contacts
Thales Corporate Communications - Natasha Harvey - Tel: + 33 (0) 1 57 77 86 26
Thales E-Security - Frédéric Hubert - Tel: +33 (0)1 46 13 27 50