IAI and Israel Shipyards Sign MoU for Naval Cyber Security

By Editor 08-Jul-2021

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Israel Shipyards Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), , to develop a cybersecurity suite for maritime vessels. The novel solution will incorporate dedicated security mechanisms for marine platforms, taking into account the systems’ technical features with improved resilience and stability in mind.

 The maritime system safety regulations developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have recently revamped the ship and ports cybersecurity requirements. Approximately 95% of Israel’s imports arrive via maritime freight, and are comprised of essential goods, such as energy, food, industrial, and defense goods. As seaports and maritime vessels face increased cybersecurity threats, the need for effective and resilient security is paramount in order to maintain seamless maritime transportation.

IAI is at the forefront of developing cyber solutions and advanced unique capabilities for national cyber organizations and platforms, forensics and training, providing customers with capabilities for addressing a range of cyber threats. IAI runs R&D and innovation centers worldwide and leads IC3 (Israel Cyber Companies Consortium), comprised of leading Israeli cyber companies offering end-to-end solutions for national cybersecurity organizations.

 Israel Shipyards develop a range of military and civilian solutions for the Israeli Navy and global customers, providing a complete response to its customers’ needs with design flexibility. The shipyards also owns a fleet of merchant ships.

Boaz Levy, IAI President and CEO, said, “We are extremely proud that IAI's collaboration with Israel Shipyards will yield a comprehensive cybersecurity solution for commercial ships, answering a growing global cyber threat. IAI is a national excellence center in cybersecurity. IAI supports the defense of Israel's air and sea territories and its strategic assets, including: the natural oil rigs, defense against missiles, rockets, enemy aircraft, and more.”

Samy Katsav, Israel Shipyards chairman, said, “We are proud to collaborate with IAI, a company with broad know-how and reputation in cybersecurity. The collaboration agreement entered with IAI combines IAI’s cyber capability with Israel Shipyards’ experience and extensive expertise in the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of military and civilian marine vessels. The collaboration aligns with our expansion and growth plans to become a global technological leader in marine vessel construction.”

Israel Aerospace Industries: IAI is Israel’s largest aerospace and defense company and a globally recognized technology and innovation leader, specializing in developing and manufacturing advanced, state-of-the-art systems for air, space, sea, land, and cyber security domains. Today, it serves as a national knowledge center on UAVs, missiles, satellites, robotic systems, commercial aviation, and cybersecurity.

Israel Shipyards Ltd. is a prime shipyard in the eastern Mediterranean. It develops, designs, and builds a range of ships and boats and provides repair and maintenance services. Israel Shipyards’ product range includes the Sa'ar missile corvettes Sa'ar 4, Sa'ar 4.5, Sa'ar S-7.2, offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), Shaldag fast patrol boats, merchant ships, and tugboats.