Connecting those who protect us

Airbus has shaped the critical communications industry for 40 years. We support our customers in digital transformation, providing end-to-end communications solutions, services and consultancy.

Firefighter fighting flames with crowd watching

Empowering communication and collaboration

PURPOSE

As part of Airbus, we provide defence, public and private organisations worldwide with a comprehensive portfolio of advanced communication and collaboration solutions. These solutions are based on TETRA, Tetrapol and 4G/5G technologies, ranging from networks to applications, terminals, services and more.

Understanding specific needs

We understand the needs of mission- and business-critical end-users, allowing us to design the most suitable solutions that help them carry out their missions effectively.

Worldwide, recognised expertise

Our expertise in narrowband networks and broadband solutions and services — including MCX — is recognised worldwide, with 300+ networks and three million users in 80 countries.

Standing at the heart of our ecosystem

Our partnerships with VARs, MNOs and developers bring us closer to worldwide markets, enabling us to offer stakeholders state-of-the art features, devices and accessories.

Forward-thinking communication

Our innovative platforms facilitate the digital transformation from narrowband to broadband. Three of the four major national European networks are making this transition with us.

Serving the critical communications industry for 40 years

OUR STORY

The driver of significant, necessary change

Forty years ago, the Chernobyl disaster highlighted the need for new communication solutions for public safety. This event spurred the development of digital radio solutions, first adopted by European countries and later by others worldwide. For 40 years, Airbus has collaborated with innovative public safety and private organisations to pursue significant advancements in critical communications.

Chernobyl nuclear powerplant today

The pioneer of mission-critical communications

In 1988, we helped the French National Gendarmerie lead the way in digital radio adoption with their RUBIS system. Later, in the 1990s, we supported ASTRID in building the first advanced public safety communication network in Belgium, impressing users with its excellent voice quality. In 1997, we partnered with the Helsinki Energy Company to launch the first commercial TETRA network, HelenNet. Following this we built Virve, Finland's fully operational and truly nationwide network — the first of its kind globally. Finnish Public Safety forces quickly transitioned from their analogue system to Virve, immediately recognising its superior quality of service.

French Police dispatcher overwatching a mission

The provider of new technological possibilities

Technology is evolving faster than ever, and the introduction of 4G and 5G has added many new possibilities to enhance the way we communicate. Critical communications are changing to go beyond voice, leveraging video streaming and data from different sources. With these possibilities, users can enable automatic use in real time with the help of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Airbus is leading the way in this transformation, with a prime example being ‘Réseau Radio du Futur’ (RRF), a nationwide critical communication network in France embarking on a journey to utilise full broadband technologies. As for the Virve 2 network in Finland, it leverages its existing TETRA network and draws benefits from broadband in a hybrid setting.

Firefighters preparing for a mission

Speak with a critical communications expert

We’re your go-to partner for deploying optimal mission-critical communications services into your organisation. Chat with an Airbus expert and discover the best route for you.

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Pushing the boundaries of innovation

INNOVATION

We’re a key contributor in 3GPP standardisation and have participated in ETSI MCX Plugtests to validate the interoperability of different implementations.

We’re also an active member of the TCCA and the GSM Association (GSMA), while also participating in GCF MCX and ETSI works. 

Not only this, but we have our say in many co-innovation research projects, including members from European universities and other research organisations.

Our commitment to sustainability

We’re working to create a greener, more connected world. Discover how we’re bringing communication and sustainability together by heading to our sustainability page.

Take me there

A word from Olivier Koczan, Head of Public Safety and Security

OUR MISSION

The latest critical communications news from Airbus

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