Airbus Defence and Space provides secure radio communications during FIFA World Cup in Brazil

Airbus Defence and Space’s highly secure radio communications technology contributed to the success of security measures implemented during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Two Tetrapol networks from Airbus Defence and Space guaranteed seamless communication between the security forces and rescue services involved and made a major contribution to their integrated operations in the 12 cities hosting the games, including in the stadium areas. This was the case for the Castelão stadium in Fortaleza, for example, and at the FIFA fan fest venues, as well as in city areas. A team of experts from Airbus Defence and Space provided 24-hour on-site support to ensure that the network operated reliably and seamlessly.

To provide overall security over the entire 32 days of football matches, the Federal Police Department (DPF) used the Brazilian national secure Tetrapol radio network, Integrapol, implemented by Airbus Defence and Space between 2005 and 2010. In particular, the integration of all DPF units from the Brazilian states into this network has become a cornerstone of national public safety in facing challenges of this kind during large events in Brazil. The overall network is composed of more than 280 radio sites and tactical repeaters.

In addition to this, the state police forces of Ceará were equipped with a new Tetrapol IP (internet protocol) network by Airbus Defence and Space. Fortaleza, which is in the Ceará region, hosted six football games, and the new network provided advanced secure encrypted digital communication for voice and data. The network is a key component of the newly inaugurated regional command and control centre of the state police forces in Fortaleza, which serves the state police in matters related to urban monitoring, surveillance and the management of police, medical and rescue services.

The FIFA World Cup hosted a total of 64 football matches in 12 different cities, with around 3 million spectators. Every single match represented a great challenge for the organisers. The two Airbus Defence and Space networks provided secure communications for more than 7,500 agents of the Federal Police and the Ceará State Police. In parallel, the total number of visitors at the public viewing events, the FIFA fan fests, exceeded the 4.5 million mark. Both networks contributed to public security, particularly at these venues, as well as in city areas, guaranteeing seamless communication between all security forces and rescue services involved.