Given that MEFO is a key system for secure communication between the Armed Forces, how does its design ensure full interoperability with other NATO member countries?
As a member of NATO, Spain must at all times ensure the interoperability of MEFO with the rest of the member countries, so as to guarantee the conduct of joint military operations. This need has been taken into account throughout the project, from its definition to its implementation, which has resulted in the definition of compliance requirements with NATO standards, thus ensuring the interoperability of MEFO in this environment. At this point it is worth noting that, at this moment, NATO is also immersed in a process of renewing its formal military messaging service, and that the tool that has been selected in its project is the same one that has been implemented in the In the case of Spain, XOmail, which will further guarantee interoperability between both environments.
Protecting military communications is critical. What specific technologies are being used to ensure MEFO maintains high levels of security and authentication?
As in the case of interoperability, communications security has been a necessity since the beginning of the project. In addition to implementing the security specifications of the NATO standards already mentioned, national security technologies inherent to the technological platform on which it operates have been included that guarantee the confidentiality of the information.
“NATO is also immersed in a process of renewing its formal military messaging service”
MEFO is designed to operate at different levels (strategic, operational and tactical). How has the system been adapted to meet the specific needs of each branch of the Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air and Space Force) and ensure effective communication?
From the beginning of the MEFO design until its implementation, efforts have been made to adapt the system to the needs of the Armed Forces. To this end, different environments have been considered for conducting operations, adapting to situations of degraded connectivity, or in conditions of tactical employment. All of this has been achieved using the capabilities provided by the Thales company’s XOmail product on which the MEFO service is based.
MEFO is replacing previous messaging systems. What advantages has this new solution provided in terms of security, efficiency and interoperability that were not present in previous systems?
Having a single formal military messaging service for the entire Ministry of Defense allows the interfaces between previous messaging systems to be eliminated, improving the effectiveness and efficiency of communications. It also represents savings in maintenance and operation costs, thanks to having a single service under the same technological solution. On the other hand, this new solution provides new capabilities with respect to legacy systems, such as digital signature or protocols for deployable environments (tactical, operational or maritime). Given that the MEFO base software, XOmail, is a commercial product adapted to military requirements, the advantages of this type of product are taken advantage of (continuous evolution and improvement), which in this case are aligned with the evolutions of the same product in the NATO.
“Given that the MEFO base software, XOmail, is a commercial product adapted to military requirements, the advantages of this type of product are taken advantage of”
The MEFO system has been developed in collaboration with key technology partners. How has Thales’ experience in military messaging solutions, such as XOmail, contributed to the success of the project and ensuring that the system meets the demands of the Ministry of Defence?
Thales’ experience in this type of solutions, with its XOmail product, implemented in other countries around us, has been key to the implementation of the MEFO service, with the speed and results achieved to date and compliance with the Ministry’s expectations. of Defense. The extensive knowledge of the deployment capabilities of of Defense and the appropriate configuration of the service. Thales has provided, from the beginning of the project, support to the design, implementation and operation of MEFO.
What advantages do you find in public-private collaboration when it comes to the development of critical tools for State security?
Public-private collaboration on these types of tools encourages joint innovation and provides mutual benefits. On the one hand, private companies make contributions thanks to the research and development of technologies and new tools critical to security, with new ideas and approaches. On the part of the public sector, there is a continuous effort to innovate and improve its work processes. Consequently, joint work between the public and private spheres, especially if private companies have technologies from the secure environment (in this case, military), allows rapid adaptation and consequent cost savings, essential aspects in a world current in continuous evolution.