Cybersecurity Challenges for NATO Military Air Transport Operations

Abstract

The aviation industry's increasing reliance on technology has led to concerns about state-sponsored cyberattacks, which pose cybersecurity challenges for both military and civil aviation. This paper analyses NATO's military air cargo capabilities. It examines relevant civil aviation cyberattacks as case studies in light of potential cyber threats to NATO military aviation. Summarising these findings, the authors conclude their implications. They then use an analytical-evaluative method to identify categories of cyberspace assets that are key to protecting aviation IT infrastructure and highlight the differences and overlaps between IT-OT and Platforms in a military context. In addition, a comprehensive presentation of ways to effectively defend civil and NATO military aviation systems against cyber-attacks will be presented, which is essential to ensure a secure aviation system and address evolving cyber threats.