Thales and Leonardo to deliver next-generation secure Deployable CIS to NATO Special Forces

The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) has selected the consortium formed by Thales and Leonardo as its trusted provider to deliver a next-generation secure deployable communication and information system dedicated to the Allied Special Operations Forces Command (SOFCOM).

This is the first project of a large NATO programme aimed to deliver state-of-the-art communication and information systems to the SOFCOM, in order to strengthen the Alliance’s resilience for modern warfare.

This pan-European technological and industrial partnership leverages the best of Alliance industry, combining proven building blocks with the latest available technologies to deliver urgently needed and scalable capabilities.

In response to NATO’s requirements, the Thales–Leonardo Consortium contract covers delivery, training for six deployable Head Quarters (HQs) for SOFCOM, known as Deployable Points of Presence for Special Operations Component Commands (DPOP SOCC). These new DPOPs provide deployable communication and information systems (CIS) tailored to the specific needs of NATO Special Operations Forces. They form the cornerstone of a future, comprehensive, secure information and communication system for special operations, built on classified and resilient networks.

This system delivers dedicated, next generation capabilities specifically designed to meet highly demanding requirements of NATO Special Forces including:

• Zero-day deployable IT infrastructures, resilient communications, and high performance computing, all designed with a reduced electromagnetic and physical footprint.
• A secure multi domain environment for mission data exchange, alongside field proven solutions that ensure robustness, interoperability and strong cybersecurity.
• For the first time in a NATO context, real time Full Motion Video (FMV) sharing capabilities across different deployable systems, to enhance Special Forces’ operational effectiveness and situational awareness.

As system providers, Thales and Leonardo are delivering NATO next generation deployable CIS – that can be operated and upgraded over their complete lifecycle, while training and support will ensure smooth user transition to operations under NCIA lead. Beyond this Franco-Italian partnership, the Consortium will deliver these systems to NATO by also leveraging industrial assets throughout the Alliance, with key technologies from the UK and Germany.

“Thales brings end to end expertise in secure information and communication systems, deep knowledge of NATO’s reference architecture, and a long track record of delivering projects to the Alliance. By combining this expertise with Leonardo’s capabilities, we are harnessing the best of European industry in a modular, upgradable, and field proven system, providing NATO Special Forces with next generation deployable CIS.” said Alexandre Bottero, Vice President, Networks and Infrastructure Systems, Thales.

“Leonardo’s experience, developed at Italian level through the delivery of complete Regimental and Divisional Command Post capabilities, enables the introduction of modular NATO-ready systems based on fixed and expandable shelters. The strength of the design stems from the close collaboration between industry and the end user, who has chosen Leonardo as both the System Integrator and the Design Authority for Italian command post. This partnership among two major players of the European defence industry allows to combine Leonardo’s field proven deployable solutions with Thales experience in NATO’s secure communications programs.”, said Antonio Levato, SVP Air and Land Systems Land and Sea Business at Leonardo Electronics.

Thales

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