Proximus NXT selected by Defence as strategic cyber defense partner

Belgian Defence has selected Proximus NXT as one of its long-term strategic partners for the further expansion of its Cyber Force. Over the next eight years, Proximus NXT will work alongside a leading partner ecosystem to strengthen the cyber resilience of the Ministry of Defence.

A long-term partnership with strong Belgian roots

In a landscape of growing hybrid threats, the Belgian Cyber Force is emerging as a fully-fledged fifth pillar of our defense strategy, alongside the Army, Air Force, Navy and Medical Services. The Belgian Cyber Force is responsible for protecting military and strategic information systems, as well as developing cyber defense and hybrid warfare capabilities. Over the past few years, a thorough analysis has been made of the activities that Defence wishes to take control of itself and those for which it wants to cooperate with external partners, specifically Belgian companies with a proven track record in cybersecurity.

As one of the four selected partners, Proximus NXT will play a key role in strengthening and securing critical digital infrastructure. Under this eight-year contract, Proximus NXT will support Cyber Force in projects related to PROTECT and DEFEND activities. For each assignment, the contract provides a mechanism for identifying the most appropriate partner.

A future-oriented, Belgian-led solution

As a locally anchored ICT integrator, Proximus NXT has developed a comprehensive offering that covers all aspects of the tender. To this end, Proximus NXT will collaborate with an ecosystem of partner organizations, including PwC Belgium as a strategic partner. The solutions are also built on technology from global leaders with whom Proximus NXT has strong partnerships.

This partnership is part of Proximus NXT's broader ambition to become a leader in IT and cybersecurity. Last year, the company won a significant IT contract with NATO and a framework agreement on IT and security services with several federal government agencies. This latest partnership with Defence confirms Proximus NXT's strategic position as a reference partner for public institutions seeking to bolster their digital resilience.

Proximus also plays a proactive societal role by being a co-founder of the Cyber Security Coalition and a partner of the Centre for Cybersecurity Belgium (CCB), and by contributing to initiatives such as the Belgian Anti Phishing Shield (BAPS). The company also promotes digital literacy among young people through initiatives such as "Internet: Safe & Fun", which provides training in safe Internet use to more than 14,000 students annually.