FACT demonstrates the operational value of federated cyber-physical testing in Riga
The recent demonstration in Riga, Latvia, showcased a fictional yet realistic scenario that addressed pressing operational challenges faced by multinational defense forces. Participants engaged in a simulated deployment that required them to assess the readiness and resilience of cyber-physical assets. As defense systems become increasingly interconnected, this event highlighted how federated testing can greatly enhance decision-making and ensure assets are prepared prior to deployment.
Given the rise in cyber activity, FACT undertook additional evaluations of the systems and equipment designated for deployment. This thorough assessment focused on identifying potential vulnerabilities and confirming that essential systems are operationally sound. By integrating diverse testing environments alongside specialized expertise, the initiative provides reliable evidence and equips decision-makers with actionable insights to mitigate risks before deployment.
The End of Project Demonstration (EoPD) guided participants through a series of interconnected demonstrations that emphasized the relationship between threat identification, federated testing, evidence integration, and strategic decision-making. These demonstrations illustrated the efficacy of this approach in assisting commanders and decision-makers in determining the readiness of their assets for deployment.
Ingmārs Pūķis, Vice President of LMT Group, the host of the event in Riga, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are pleased to welcome project partners, European Commission representatives, defense stakeholders, and officials from European Ministries of Defence to Riga for the FACT End of Project Demonstration. This event showcases how European collaboration can transform complex cyber-physical testing into trusted, actionable insights, helping decision-makers assess readiness and strengthen resilience before critical assets are deployed.”
He further added, “The true value of this demonstration lies not only in showcasing technological innovation but also in validating how diverse capabilities can effectively collaborate in realistic situations. This is crucial for the development of future-ready cyber defense solutions.”
Jon Leistad, Project Coordinator of FACT from KONGSBERG, remarked, “The FACT End-of-Project Demonstration serves as a clear representation of the achievements made by the EDF project over the past three years: providing a solution that allows defense organizations to comprehend, sustain, and enhance operational capabilities in the face of cyber vulnerabilities that can disrupt complex defense systems. The consortium has successfully created a federated cyber-physical testing capability that delivers reliable evidence, comprehensive assessments, and actionable recommendations for mitigation. By synthesizing findings from distributed Cyber-Physical Test Ranges (CPTRs), FACT converts complex and disparate test results into a cohesive, commander-ready overview of cyber-physical readiness.”
Enhancing European Cyber Defense Resilience through Cooperation
The demonstration underscored the significance of European collaboration in confronting shared cyber-physical security challenges. FACT exemplifies the potential benefits derived from a federated European approach that enhances cyber defense resilience by uniting complementary capabilities, expertise, and testing environments.
About FACT
The Federated Advanced Cyber-Physical Test Range (FACT) project is co-funded by the European Defence Fund (EDF). A key aspect of the FACT project is its federated methodology for cyber-physical testing. By linking various Cyber-Physical Test Ranges (CPTRs), the initiative empowers defense stakeholders to leverage specialized expertise and diverse testing capabilities across different environments.
With secure orchestration and controlled evidence exchange mechanisms, the project fosters reliable collaboration while safeguarding the integrity of testing activities and their outcomes.
A Project Selected by the European Defence Fund 2022
In 2022, the European Commission allocated €26.9 million to the FACT project, spearheaded by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS (KONGSBERG). The European Defence Fund (EDF) serves as a financial tool launched by the European Union in 2017 as part of its Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The initial call for proposals was issued in 2021. FACT stands among the 41 projects chosen for funding from a total of 134 proposals submitted in 2022.
