The Joint Infrastructure Networks and Information Systems Directorate is a key player in the security arrangements for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. As the digital operator for the Ministry of the Armed Forces, it provides the main CIS support by making available specialised and proven capabilities. These are essential to the command of the operation at both national and zonal level, in the Île-de-France region.

It deploys permanent CIS and infrastructure, and designs, supplies and finances civilian tactical connection resources, such as the "SORCIER module". This SIC mobile pawn, designed especially for the Olympic Games, is a connection solution for special occasions, enabling users to access the entire office automation environment at sites outside the Ministry of the Armed Forces. It offers the staff of the Military Governor of Paris the guarantee of troop deployment throughout the Ile-De-France region and the resilience of the command network.

Also, the Joint Infrastructure Networks and Information Systems Directorate is also adapting its service offering for operations, by making available the JCHAT persistent command messaging system. This facilitates interoperability between the various decision-making players, in particular the operations management chain and the Operations Planning and Management Centre.

Extensive operational preparation

To fulfil this key role, the DIRISI prepared itself in advance by actively participating in various exercises:

• COUBERTIN: a full-scale exercise to test the resilience of the SORCIER module ;
• COUBERTIN LAD (Anti-UAV): an exercise in real-life conditions to test the LAD chain of command as part of the Permanent Air Security System (DPSA) ;
• DEFNET 2024: exercise organised by the COMCYBER to test the effectiveness of the defensive information technology (LID) chain ;
• CENTOR and PHILIPPIDES: internal stress test exercises to check the ability of the DIRISI operational chain to cope with a critical loss of service (following a CYBER attack or technical failure).

The arrival of the Olympic Flame: the first stone

Ahead of the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games, the arrival of the Olympic Flame in Marseille on 8 May was the first stage of the JOP 2024 operation for the Armies, Directorates and Services mobilised on national territory. The Joint Infrastructure Networks and Information Systems Directorate thus contributed to the deployment of the Marseille Maritime Command Post, in support of the Chief Command for the Mediterranean and the French Navy, by providing IT equipment and services (computers, internet and intranet access, telephone lines, etc.). This Maritime HQ was responsible for overseeing maritime security for the arrival of the Olympic Flame in the port of Marseille, as part of the Permanent Maritime Security System.

GAPSIC Creation : a key challenge

Finally, the heart of the Joint Infrastructure Networks and Information Systems Directorate’s contribution to this wide-ranging operation is the setting up of a dedicated support unit for all the staff mobilised in the Ile-de-France region: the SIC Support Group, or GAPSIC. Entirely dedicated to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, its main mission is to guarantee the security of information and communication systems during this period of great sporting excitement.