Leonardo has been chosen by the Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) to supply its Cyber Range & Training system.
The platform will facilitate the training of cyber security operators and allow the Institute to assess the resilience of digital infrastructure against potential cyber-attacks. Leonardo signed the contract with the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, which established the QCRI, as part of the recent series of cooperation agreements between Italy and Qatar.
Leonardo’s Cyber Range & Training solution will allow the QCRI to deliver a complete cyber training
process, from the design of the learning path to specific training sessions. Users will be able to practice
their skills in simulated attack and defence scenarios, employing both information technology (IT) and
operational technology (OT). The training will produce qualified teams of operators equipped with upto-date knowledge and techniques, ready to face ever-evolving cyber threats.
“Our selection by the Qatar Computing Research Institute recognises that Leonardo and our partners
provide market-leading solutions based on open innovation principles. It also highlights the trust
international customers place in Leonardo in the cyber domain”, said Tommaso Profeta, Managing
Director of Leonardo’s Cyber Security Division.
In addition to training, the platform provides the ability to asses IT infrastructures for their resilience
against potential cyber-attacks. The platform examines software, procedures and how an
infrastructure is managed and can simulate a number of attack scenarios to see how effective these
would be. These scenarios, which represent real operating environments, can be used as part of
practical cyber warfare exercises as well as being used to test and verify the capacity and functionality
of physical and virtual devices before their real-world use.
Leonardo in Qatar
The relationship between Leonardo and Qatar is built on strong foundations. The company is
responsible for air traffic management systems and meteorological equipment at Hamad International
Airport and a surveillance radar has recently been installed at the airport for approach operations.
More than 40 Leonardo’s AW139 and AW189 helicopters are operated in Qatar in both civil and
military roles and Leonardo is also part of the NH90 Qatar programme: the first helicopters designed
for naval and land operations took to the skies in recent weeks. In the naval sector, Leonardo provides
latest-generation systems and sensors for new Qatari ships and is responsible for a surveillance and
air defence radar system. Leonardo is also involved in activities relating to the infrastructures for the
2022 FIFA World Cup.
