Software defined networks (SDN) offer several benefits if adopted by European defense. In particular, they are more agile, flexible and easier to manage. They are also easier to re-configure and to support interoperation among diverse networks. However, SDN implementation in the context of defense present also challenges, for instance when considering tactical networking and in particular when sharing information. In this sense, it is important to develop an SDN solution that has a high level of centralization architecture combined with a level of integration that should allow it to  be used whenever and wherever needed. Finally, this SDN architecture should guarantee redundancy and resilience against network element failures and network link loss, including cyberattacks perpetrated against the network, such as a quick capability to adapt to network topology updates due to insertion of new network elements.

It is well known that societies and organizations nowadays depend, in an increasingly determinant way, on technology to develop their respective activities, including those that are central to the fulfillment of their respective missions. However, the vast majority of this technology is developed and manufactured outside the European space (respectively in the USA and China), which means that the European Union has a strategic dependence on countries outside Europe to support its digital development. This factor is a serious hurdle detractor for European digital sovereignty and has, for this reason, even more critical consequences.

DISCRETION has as main goal to design and develop an optical SDN solution that enables secure and resilient communications for European Defense. Compared with the traditional approach, where the network configuration and management interfaces are typically proprietary and tied to a specific manufacturer, SDN represents a revolution that supports further network evolution, opening the network to potentially disruptive technologies like Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and quantum technologies in general.

DISCRETION will consider different strategic scenarios where SDN and QKD can be used to improve security and resilience in exchange of data or even in communication. Figure 1 represents the overall abstract scenario. In the inner rim, DISCRETION is considering strategic level communications at a national level. The middle rim represents operational communications between military premises. The outer rim represents tactical communications, typically mobile.

• Partner: Deimos Engenharia, Instituto de Telecomunicações, Instituto Superior Técnico, Altice Labs, Adyta, Telefónica Investigación y Desarrollo, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Nextworks
• Förderprogramm: European Defence Industrial Development Programme, Development of next generation and upgrade of current armoured platforms, including those able to operate in extreme climates and geographical environments
• Projektlaufzeit: 12/2021-05/2025