Defence and Communications Systems, an integrated business unit of EADS DS in London, and Cisco have entered into a memorandum of understanding to define areas of collaboration in the development and delivery of Internet Protocol (IP)-based networking solutions. The collaboration is planned to reach across research and development and go-to-market business activities internationally to deliver future technologies in defence and security.

Leaders in the fields of systems integration and highly secure communications, EADS DS and Cisco will work together to advance current IP-based communications networks to support more rapid and more secure information sharing, collaboration and situational awareness for frontline forces.

As military and civil protection forces depend increasingly on IP-based networks, the assurance of timely, highly secure and reliable communication - particularly in mission-critical situations - is both a growing priority and an increasing challenge. At the same time, new challenges come with the unprecedented diversity of roles required of the armed forces and the complexity of threats they face, which demands new capability for their IP communications. For example, it is essential that their networks allow communication between personnel in the air, on land and at sea, as well as with other national or international forces.

Hervé Guillou, CEO of Defence and Communications Systems, said, "This is a progressive response to evolving key requirements in defence and security markets. We aim to utilize our respective technologies to make new solutions and Network Enabled Capability a reality earlier. The EADS DS / Cisco collaboration will provide customers with a unique level of expertise and knowledge, and the ability to deliver better products in a more timely and cost effective way."

Chris Dedicoat, president of European markets for Cisco, said global defence organizations are increasingly moving to IP as an efficient means to transform the way military units, which are increasingly mobile and multinational, can seamlessly and securely exchange information with industry-leading security to improve decision making

Dedicoat said EADS DS and Cisco will agree on the terms of reference for their work on a project-by-project basis. Both companies also retain the flexibility to work with other third parties.ENS