Satellite Communications

NCIA operates seven satellite ground stations and one satellite centre, enabling seamless and secure communication channels for command centres and deployed forces across the Alliance.

In 2019, NATO authorised EUR 1 billion for SATCOM services for the next 15 years. NCIA concluded a memorandum of understanding with four NATO Allies – France, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States – for the provision of critical SATCOM services to NATO for a 15-year period from January 2020 until the end of 2034. The agreement enables the four Allies to provide space capacity from their military SATCOM programmes to NATO. Nations began providing capacity on 1 January 2020.

In June 2023, NCIA completed the upgrade of four NATO Static Satellite Ground Stations doubling the previous satellite communications ground coverage and enabling the Alliance to do more with fewer stations. The project also updated the Security measures at all locations and the Cryptographic Protections of the SATCOM transmission.

In addition, NCIA supports the Allied Ground Surveillance (AGS) with satellite-based communications services.

NCIA supports all elements of AGS, which comprises the five aircraft, static and deployable ground stations as well as pilot/crew trainers and simulators, including the set up of the ground infrastructure. NCIA also designed the satellite communications architecture that supports AGS operations. AGS contributes to a range of missions such as protection of ground troops and civilian populations, border control and maritime safety, the fight against terrorism, crisis management and humanitarian assistance in natural disasters. During each mission NCIA's satellite communications (SATCOM) team supports the mission on the ground in case of anomalies or other issues.

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