Digital resilience is becoming Europe’s new line of defense. With the entry into force of the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), the European Union is raising the bar for the security of all products and systems with digital components. The Europe Cyber Resilience Act impact for Defense is already visible, as it reshapes how nations protect digital infrastructure and critical military systems. By 2027, any software used in defense that has civilian applications or forms part of a supply chain involving the civilian sector will have to comply with the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). This means that the regulation will cover, among others, commercial operating systems, routers, communication platforms, and cloud software used by the military in adapted forms.
In contrast, solutions developed exclusively for defense purposes – such as command systems (C2, C4ISR), classified information processing software, radars, or encryption devices certified by intelligence agencies – will remain outside the scope of the CRA.
It is also worth noting that starting from September 2026, organizations covered by the regulation will be required to report security incidents within 24 hours, significantly increasing transparency and responsiveness to cyber threats, including those affecting critical infrastructure.
In a world where strategic advantage increasingly depends on the quality of code, CRA compliance is not just a regulatory requirement but a crucial part of Europe’s defensive shield. For systems controlling communications, logistics, or military simulations, non-compliance means not only the risk of data leaks but also potential operational paralysis and geopolitical consequences.
1. Why is the defense sector particularly vulnerable? The importance of the Cyber Resilience Act in defense
Defense systems form the backbone of national security and the stability of international alliances. They coordinate communication, intelligence analysis, logistics, and increasingly, cyber operations. Their reliability determines response speed, operational effectiveness, and a state’s ability to defend its borders in a world where the front line also runs through cyberspace. This is why access to defense-related projects is restricted to companies holding the appropriate licenses, certifications, and government authorizations.
Command and control systems (C2, C4ISR) play a particularly crucial role here – they are the heart of operational activities, and any disruption could temporarily immobilize defense capabilities. Equally important are simulators and training software, where errors or manipulation could lead to improper personnel preparation, as well as satellite communication and networking systems that must remain resistant to real-time interference. Military logistics and the supply chain also cannot be overlooked – a single weak point can paralyze entire operations.
For this reason, the European Union is introducing the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) – a regulation designed to ensure that every digital component within defense, communication, and industrial systems meets the highest standards of resilience. Importantly, the CRA applies to defense indirectly – it covers products and software that were not developed exclusively for military purposes but have dual-use or are part of a supply chain involving civilian sectors. This Cyber Resilience Act EU in Defense framework ensures that even shared technologies meet common European standards of resilience.
Conversely, systems developed exclusively for defense purposes – such as software for processing classified information, military radars, command systems, or encryption devices certified by intelligence agencies – will not fall under the scope of the Cyber Resilience Act in the defense sector, remaining outside its regulatory framework.
2. Real examples of cyberattacks – why the Cyber Resilience Act in the defense sector matters immensely
Over the past decade, cyberspace has become a new battlefield, and the consequences of attacks increasingly rival those of traditional military operations. In 2015, the German Bundestag fell victim to one of the most notorious cyberattacks in European history. According to official statements from the German government and the EU Council, the incident was attributed to the APT28 (Fancy Bear) group, linked to Russian military intelligence. Within weeks, gigabytes of data and thousands of emails were stolen, compromising the German parliament’s communication infrastructure and forcing a long-term reconfiguration of its security systems. This event demonstrated that a cyberattack can target not just servers but the very foundation of public trust in state institutions.
Several years later, in 2021, the world was shaken by a ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline – the U.S. fuel pipeline system that supplies nearly half of the East Coast’s gasoline. A single breach was enough to halt deliveries and paralyze logistics across the region. The incident marked a turning point, confirming that cyberattacks on critical infrastructure have tangible economic and strategic consequences – and that digital security is inseparable from national security.
Both NATO and ENISA have repeatedly warned that the defense sector is now among the top targets for state-sponsored APT groups. Their operations extend far beyond data theft – encompassing sabotage, disinformation, and disruption of logistics processes. As a result, every security gap can trigger a chain reaction with the potential to destabilize not just a single country but an entire alliance.
This proves that the security of defense systems cannot be treated as secondary. The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) is becoming not only a tool for raising cybersecurity standards in business but also a means of strengthening the resilience of strategic state systems.
3. Cyber Resilience Act in the Defense Industry – What It Means and How TTMS Can Help
The introduction of the EU CRA for Defense marks a strategic step toward unifying and strengthening cybersecurity standards across the European Union – not only for the civilian sector but, in particular, for the defense sphere. For countries with extensive military infrastructure, communication systems, digital logistics, or simulation solutions, the CRA brings tangible and multidimensional consequences:
3.1 Standardization of Security in Hardware and Software
The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) introduces mandatory norms and minimum cybersecurity requirements for products with digital components – covering not only consumer devices but also components used in defense systems, communication networks, sensors, and IoT devices operating in military environments. In practice, this means:
- an end to discrepancies in security standards between manufacturers (e.g., “commercial” vs. “special” versions),
- the need to implement resilience mechanisms (e.g., protection against tampering, unauthorized modification, and mandatory security updates),
- the obligation to manage supply-chain risks, which is critical in the context of military systems.
How TTMS helps: TTMS supports defense organizations in auditing and adapting their systems to meet CRA requirements, creating unified security standards across the entire supply chain and product lifecycle.
3.2 Incident Reporting and Increased Transparency
One of the key requirements of the Cyber Resilience Act is the early warning obligation – typically within 24 hours of detection (or from the moment the manufacturer determines that an incident exceeds a defined threshold). In the case of defense systems:
- national institutions and defense entities will need to respond internally and coordinate with EU regulators,
- there will be a growing need for agile procedures for incident detection, escalation, and analysis in environments where confidentiality, speed, and strategic decision-making are essential,
- information on a breach will be shared within the European cybersecurity monitoring network, increasing pressure for rapid remediation and minimizing the impact on military operations.
How TTMS helps: Through automation of monitoring and reporting processes, TTMS enables real-time incident detection and ensures that reports are submitted within the required 24-hour window.
3.3 Strengthening Strategic Resilience
According to the ENISA Threat Landscape Report 2021, during the reviewed period (April 2020 – July 2021), the main threats included ransomware, attacks on availability and system integrity, data breaches, and supply-chain attacks.
For the defense sector, these types of attacks are particularly dangerous:
- Ransomware can take control of critical systems (e.g., communications, traffic management, logistics), effectively halting military operations.
- Attacks on availability and integrity can destabilize defense systems through data manipulation or corruption.
- Supply-chain attacks allow compromised components to enter complex systems, enabling sabotage or espionage.
The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) – through its requirements for security controls and supply-chain oversight – directly addresses these attack vectors, enforcing greater accountability over components and their manufacturers. In the context of defense hardware and software, this level of control can be strategically decisive.
How TTMS helps: TTMS designs “secure by design” system architectures, integrating solutions resistant to ransomware, sabotage, and supply-chain attacks within critical environments.
3.4 Cross-Border Cooperation and Integrated Resilience
Cyber defense rarely operates in isolation. In the context of alliances such as NATO and the EU, the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) can:
- compel member states to adopt interoperable security standards, facilitating coordination during crisis situations,
- enable faster exchange of incident information between nations, improving collective defense against complex APT campaigns,
- create a shared European cyber risk oversight platform, strengthening the overall resilience of the EU’s security ecosystem.
How TTMS helps: TTMS supports the development of interoperable systems based on unified security standards, enabling seamless data exchange and cooperation within NATO and the EU.
3.5 Costs, Challenges, and Adaptation
Some side effects of CRA implementation are unavoidable. The regulation means:
- increased costs for certification, testing, and security audits for manufacturers of specialized defense equipment and software,
- the need to restructure procurement procedures, quality control, and supply processes,
- pressure to modernize legacy systems that may not meet new requirements.
For countries that fail to prepare in time, the risks are real – from system shutdowns and costly remediation to the potential loss of strategic advantage in digital conflicts.
How TTMS helps: TTMS helps minimize CRA implementation costs through ready-made tools, automated audit processes, and flexible support models tailored to defense contracts.
4. How TTMS Can Help You Prepare for CRA Requirements
Adapting defense systems to the requirements of the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) is not only a matter of regulatory compliance – it is, above all, a strategic process of strengthening digital security. As a technology partner with extensive experience in public, industrial, and defense sector projects, TTMS supports organizations with a comprehensive approach to digital system resilience.
Our expert teams combine cybersecurity, software engineering, and risk management competencies, offering concrete solutions such as:
- CRA compliance audit and analysis – identifying security gaps in existing systems, processes, and digital products.
- Incident-resilient architecture design – developing or modernizing software based on “secure by design” and “zero trust” principles.
- Monitoring and reporting automation – implementing systems that automatically detect and report incidents within the required 24-hour timeframe.
- Secure supply chain management – supporting the creation of supplier control and certification procedures to reduce the risk of supply-chain attacks.
- Training and awareness programs – equipping IT and operational teams with the skills to respond effectively in high-risk environments.
TTMS helps organizations integrate security throughout the entire product lifecycle – from design to maintenance – ensuring not only Cyber Resilience Act Defense Compliance, but also greater resilience of the entire technological ecosystem against cyber threats.
5. Why Partner with TTMS?
- Experience in the defense sector – we understand the specific demands of critical and defense system projects.
- Cybersecurity and Quality experts – we operate at the intersection of security, EU regulations, and military-grade technology.
- Ready-made tools and processes – from SBOM generation to vulnerability management.
- Security-as-a-Service – flexible support models tailored to the needs of defense contracts.
6. Consequences of Non-Compliance with the CRA in the Defense Industry
Non-compliance with the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) in the defense sector means:
- Fines of up to €15 million or 2.5% of global turnover,
- Exclusion from the EU market,
- Risk of digital sabotage, system paralysis, and loss of trust from government institutions.
The cost of cyberattacks in defense is immeasurable – it’s not only about financial losses but also the security of the state and its citizens.
7. When Should You Start Acting?
Although full compliance will be required by December 2027, the incident reporting obligation begins as early as September 2026. This means that defense organizations have a limited window to implement the necessary procedures, systems, and training.
TTMS supports the defense sector throughout the entire process – from audits and architecture design to training and compliance documentation – ensuring organizations fully meet Cyber Resilience Act Requirements for Defense.
👉 Visit ttms.com/defence to learn how we help companies and institutions build resilient defense systems.
1. When will the CRA apply to the defense sector?
The Cyber Resilience Act was adopted in 2024, with its provisions gradually coming into force. Full compliance with the regulation will be required from December 2027, giving organizations time to prepare for the implementation of new security standards. However, some obligations – including the requirement to report incidents within 24 hours – will apply as early as September 2026. This means that institutions and companies operating in the defense sector should begin the adaptation process as soon as possible to avoid sanctions and ensure operational continuity.
2. Which defense systems fall under the scope of the CRA?
The Cyber Resilience Act covers all digital products and systems that include software or hardware components used for data processing or communication. In the defense sector, this means a broad spectrum – from command and control (C2) systems, to simulation and training software, to logistics, communication, and satellite systems. The regulation applies both to military and commercial technologies used in defense environments. In practice, every digital layer of defense infrastructure must be verified for CRA compliance.
3. CRA in the Defense Industry – What Are the Main Obligations for Companies?
Entities operating in the defense sector will be required to implement a range of technical and organizational measures to ensure compliance with the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). Among the key obligations are the creation and maintenance of Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs) – detailed lists of software components – as well as designing systems according to the “secure by design” principle and managing vulnerabilities throughout the entire product lifecycle.
According to Article 14 of the CRA, organizations will also be required to promptly report actively exploited vulnerabilities and major security incidents. Importantly, the so-called “24-hour notification rule” refers to an early warning rather than a full report – its purpose is to enable faster response and containment of potential threats.
Defense industry companies must also prepare and maintain an EU Declaration of Conformity, confirming that their products meet CRA requirements. In practice, this means not only technical preparation but also restructuring internal processes and supply chains so that cybersecurity becomes an integral part of product development and maintenance.
4. What Risks Does Non-Compliance Pose in the Defense Sector?
Non-compliance with the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) in the defense industry is not just a matter of potential financial penalties – which, for regulated products, can reach €15 million or 2.5% of global turnover. However, it’s worth noting that under Article 2(7) of the CRA, such sanctions do not formally apply to products developed exclusively for military purposes or for the processing of classified information.
Nonetheless, non-compliance in dual-use systems (civil-military) can lead to serious operational consequences. Systems failing to meet CRA requirements may be deactivated, deemed unsafe for defense infrastructure, or excluded from EU projects and tenders. In the long term, non-compliance also results in loss of international trust and increased vulnerability to cyberattacks – which, in the defense sector, can have strategic implications, affecting national security and the stability of allied structures.
5. Do Incidents Without Consequences Also Need to Be Reported?
Yes. Under the Cyber Resilience Act, all significant security incidents – even those that did not cause system disruption – must be reported within 24 hours of detection. The goal of this requirement is to establish a pan-European early warning system that allows for better threat analysis and prevention of escalation.
Even seemingly minor incidents may reveal vulnerabilities in system architecture that could be exploited later by adversaries. Therefore, the CRA promotes a culture of transparency and proactive response, rather than waiting for the actual consequences of an attack to materialize.