In March 2025, Thales successfully completed the SC1 (Specific Contract 1) of the DARC (Data Centric Security and Zero Trust Architecture Technologies) Framework Contract, a major initiative launched by the European Defence Agency (EDA) in February 2024.

This DARC contract aims to explore the most advanced cybersecurity technologies in the field of Defence, with a strong focus on Data Centric Security (DCS) and Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA). These approaches are crucial for securing data across hybrid environments, where data flows between on-premises and cloud infrastructures.

 

During the first phase (SC1), entrusted to Thales from March 2024 to March 2025, the study:
•    defined a Defence-specific maturity model,
•    developed a tool for evaluating the maturity of DCS/ZTA solutions and systems
•    explored the current maturity of European DCS/ZTA solutions,
•    Identified technology gaps preventing widespread adoption.

This milestone showcases Thales’ expertise in supporting European armed forces with sovereign, modular, and operationally aligned cybersecurity architectures fit for the threats of tomorrow. In February 2025, the EDA renewed its confidence in Thales to continue this study within the framework of SC2 until March 2026.