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Oct 27 2015

NCI Agency attends Southeast Europe Defence Ministerial in Dubrovnik


Defence Ministers from Southeast Europe gathered during the two-day Comprehensive Regional Ministerial (CRM), held in Dubrovnik, Croatia, on 21-22 October 2015, to discuss key security challenges of this region. The NCI Agency General Manager, Mr Koen Gijsbers, was invited by the Croatian Minister of Defence, Mr Ante Kotromanović, to brief the conference on the Balkan Regional Approach to Air Defence (BRAAD). BRAAD is a NATO Smart Defence project with Croatia as the Lead Nation. As the General Manager was unable to attend the event, the NCI Agency was represented by the Director of Demand Management, Dr Velizar Shalamanov, and the Principal Account Manager for Nations and NATO Force Structure, Mr Xavier Desfougeres.

The NCI Agency is the technical lead for the Air Surveillance and Communications Requirements Study, part of the Balkan Regional Approach to Air Defence (BRAAD). During his presentation at the US Adriatic Ministerial, Dr Shalamanov emphasized the importance of a regional approach in providing Air Surveillance Capabilities to the Nations. The provision of the necessary radar and communications coverage will contribute to the security and safety of the region. Moreover, a regional approach allows for cost effectiveness for each individual nation in procuring air surveillance and communications capabilities.

Developing relationships

While at the Ministerial, Dr Shalamanov held several bilateral meetings including with Bosnia and Herzegovina; and Montenegro. These nations confirmed their strong interest in BRAAD, and are committed to a successful regional cooperation in air surveillance. Discussions took place around partnership development with the NCI Agency to increase bilateral and multinational cooperation with nations in Southeast Europe and to increase interoperability and develop modern capabilities using the NATO First Solution (N1S) approach.

Overall, the NCI Agency’s participation at the Southeast Europe Defence Ministerial was much appreciated, as the Agency is considered a key partner for the nations of the region, including for projects related to South-Eastern Europe Brigade (SEEBRIG) and South-Eastern Europe Simulation (SEESIM).

The NATO Communications and Information Agency is responsible for providing advanced communications and information technology to support NATO operations and missions. It operates and defends NATO networks.

For more information, visit the Comprehensive Regional Ministerial website or read the Joint Statement of the A-5 Ministerial.