MISTRAL has already entered operational testing, with availability scheduled for June 2026. (Representational image) Yuichiro/Thales
A new encryption solution has been launched to protect classified communications against emerging threats. Thales’ MISTRAL post-quantum encryptor offers a certified and qualified level of security for restricted-level communications.
The cutting-edge security solution is claimed to be capable of resisting quantum attacks.
Thales highlighted that the MISTRAL encryptor is intended for public administrations, operators of vital importance, and companies within the defence technological and industrial base.
Requiring a high degree of data protection
The system fully aligns with ANSSI recommendations and certified to Common Criteria EAL4+. It is ready for deployment in European projects requiring a high degree of data protection between industrial partners and high-technology stakeholders, according to a press release.
The solution has been launched at the European Cyber Week, held in Rennes, France.
“By anticipating tomorrow’s challenges, Thales will, from June 2026, provide France and its European partners with a high-grade encryption solution capable of resisting quantum attacks,” said Pierre Jeanne, Vice-President for Sovereign Cybersecurity activities at Thales.
“Public administrations, operators of vital importance, and companies in the defence technological and industrial base will benefit from a state-of-the-art encryptor to shield their Restricted-level communications against the quantum threat.”
MISTRAL encryptor retains its renowned ease of use and high performance
The company also pointed out that MISTRAL encryptor retains its renowned ease of use and high performance. The Thales solution not only ensures a very high level of security but also delivers optimal performance, with throughput of up to 4 × 10 Gbps and very low latency, without compromising protection. This solution also stands out for its ease of integration, supported in particular by centralised management.
MISTRAL has already entered operational testing, with availability scheduled for June 2026. In launching this solution, Thales further strengthens its technological leadership in cybersecurity and supports its customers in their transition towards a trusted future, where the security of information exchange is more than ever a strategic priority, as per the release.
Major step for European cybersecurity, especially in terms of preparing for a quantum future
Thales has claimed that MISTRAL is built to be quantum-resistant, meaning it can reportedly survive attacks from future quantum computers, which could potentially break many of today’s standard encryption schemes.
MISTRAL is certified to EAL4+ and aligned with ANSSI, global interoperability (especially with non-European entities) could be a challenge.
So far, it’s not entirely clear exactly which post-quantum cryptographic algorithms MISTRAL uses, as Thales hasn’t disclosed all details publicly. It’s yet not clear how they might evolve as PQC (post-quantum cryptography) standards themselves evolve.
Thales’ MISTRAL encryptor could be a major step for European cybersecurity — especially in terms of preparing for a quantum future. It’s not just a product, but also a signal that Europe is serious about developing sovereign, quantum-resistant communication infrastructure.
