The NATO Communications and Information Agency has selected a consortium led by Thales and Leonardo to supply secure deployable communications systems intended for the alliance's special forces, the two companies said on Monday.
The contract marks the initial phase of a broader NATO program to equip the Allied Special Operations Forces Command (SOFCOM) with enhanced communications and information systems. According to a joint statement from Thales and Leonardo, the effort is aimed at strengthening NATO's capabilities for modern warfare by delivering field-capable communications infrastructure tailored to special forces operations.
Under the agreement the consortium will deliver and provide training for six deployable headquarters for SOFCOM. The systems are designed to support the specific communications needs of NATO special forces, offering a deployable IT infrastructure and a secure multi-domain environment for data exchange.
The project includes full-motion video-sharing capabilities and emphasizes systems that can be operated and upgraded over their lifecycle. The joint release stresses the modular and upgradeable nature of the equipment, intended to allow the communications and information systems to remain serviceable and adaptable throughout their operational life.
Execution of the program will make use of technology from the United Kingdom and Germany. The consortium highlighted the role of European industry in assembling the package of hardware and software that will be delivered to NATO.
Alexandre Bottero, Thales's vice president for Networks and Infrastructure Systems, said the consortium is "harnessing the best of European industry in a modular, upgradable, and field-proven system, providing NATO Special Forces with next-generation deployable CIS."
Summary of scope and capabilities:
- Delivery and training for six deployable SOFCOM headquarters.
- Provision of deployable IT infrastructures and a secure multi-domain environment for data exchange.
- Full-motion video-sharing functionality and lifecycle upgradability.
- Use of United Kingdom and German-sourced technologies within the consortium's solution.