NATO has announced new space projects to strengthen the Alliance's defense
NATO plans to significantly expand its collective space capabilities—including communications, surveillance, and space reconnaissance systems—to strengthen the defense capabilities and situational awareness of Alliance countries.
According to her, space has become an integral part of the modern security system.
“Space is no longer some distant frontier. Our military would not be able to function properly today without space capabilities,” Shekerynska emphasized.
The Deputy Secretary General of the Alliance announced four large-scale projects designed to strengthen NATO’s collective space capabilities.
The first initiative will be the creation of the HALO “mega-constellation” of satellites, to be implemented by Denmark, Canada, Finland, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Turkey.
The new project is designed to increase the resilience of satellite communications against cyberattacks, jamming, and physical destruction, as well as to provide high-speed data transmission, space reconnaissance, and missile launch tracking.
The second project will involve Spain joining the APSS flagship space reconnaissance program, launched by NATO two years ago.
“Spain will contribute by strengthening coastal surveillance using imagery from its Atlantic satellites,” Shekerynska said.
The third initiative concerns the large-scale development of Turkey’s space capabilities.
The country plans to develop two high-resolution satellites under a contract worth over $300 million.
In addition, Turkey has signed agreements with ASELSAN regarding:
- the development of low-Earth orbit satellites;
- the creation of military communications systems;
- the procurement and development of early-warning radar systems as part of the “Steel Dome” national air defense system.
The total value of these contracts exceeds $350 million.
The fourth project involves the creation of an international network of spaceports and launch companies called Starlift.
According to Shekerinska, NATO countries, together with partners from the Indo-Pacific region, are developing a system that will allow for the rapid launch of backup satellites in the event of emergencies.
It is also reported that the German company Isar Aerospace will sign a $140 million contract with the Canadian Marine Launch Services to lease a launch pad at the spaceport in Nova Scotia.
NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska made this announcement during the Defense Industry Forum in Ankara.
As a reminder, the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden have agreed to explore the possibility of establishing a specialized maintenance center in Europe for PAC-3 missiles used in the Patriot air defense systems.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that U.S. President Donald Trump was right to demand that allies increase defense spending, and he also supported Trump’s policy toward Iran.
Today, July 7, the 36th NATO summit begins in Ankara and will last two days. Heads of state and government from all 32 Alliance countries, including U.S. President Donald Trump, will gather at the presidential complex.
As a reminder, NATO countries have reached the landmark level of 4% of GDP in military spending.
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