New Aviation Cybersecurity Center Launched by Boeing and Ben-Gurion University

In a groundbreaking move that cements Israel’s role at the forefront of aerospace innovation, Boeing and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have launched a joint Aviation Cybersecurity Center in Beersheba. The initiative marks a strategic collaboration aimed at protecting the future of flight and space systems in an age of digital and autonomous technologies.

Backed by a five-year, $10 million agreement, the research initiative is based out of BGU’s Cybersecurity Center of Excellence. It brings together the university’s top-tier researchers, graduate students, and Boeing engineers to develop new defenses for increasingly complex aerospace systems from next-generation aircraft to advanced satellite platforms.

As digital systems, artificial intelligence, and networked communications become deeply embedded in aviation and space infrastructure, securing these technologies has become a critical global priority. The new center will focus on fortifying the security of “cyber-physical” environments where software, sensors, AI, and automated systems must operate safely and securely.

Dr. Brendan Nelson, president of Boeing Global, emphasized that cybersecurity is now inseparable from the advancement of aviation and space. Partnering with BGU, a university globally recognized for its expertise in cybersecurity and engineering, gives Boeing a vital edge in anticipating and countering emerging threats.

BGU President Prof. Daniel Chamovitz highlighted the project as a landmark moment in academic-industry cooperation. “This partnership strengthens Beersheba’s status as a rising technology hub and prepares a new generation of cybersecurity professionals,” he said.

The partnership was facilitated through BGN, BGU’s technology transfer company, to ensure sustained collaboration over the coming years. Prof. Dan Blumberg, the university’s vice president for regional and industrial development, noted the initiative aligns with BGU’s strengths in AI and cybersecurity while expanding its influence in the aerospace sector.

Prof. Yuval Elovici, head of BGU’s Cyber Security Research Center, said the university’s experience tackling advanced cybersecurity challenges with international partners provides a strong foundation for this mission. The new center will now apply that expertise directly to aviation a field where safety, precision, and reliability are non-negotiable.

The center was officially inaugurated at the Advanced Technologies Park, adjacent to BGU’s Marcus Family Campus. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Nelson and Ido Nehushtan, president of Boeing Israel, who underscored the significance of Israel’s role in Boeing’s global supply chain. Israeli technologies and partners already contribute hundreds of millions of dollars annually to Boeing’s commercial and defense platforms.

This collaboration not only enhances aerospace security worldwide but also showcases Israel’s growing leadership in cyber innovation and its vital contribution to protecting the skies of tomorrow.

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