Jul 6 2026

NATO strengthens Special Operation Forces with next-generation deployable communications

The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) has signed a contract with industrial consortium formed by Thales and Leonardo to deliver the next-generation Deployable Communications and Information Systems (DCIS) capability in support of NATO Special Operations Forces (SOF). The capability will improve NATO’s ability to establish secure and resilient communications for deployed Special Operations Forces, supporting operational readiness across the Alliance.

In the current security environment, NATO forces must be able to operate across dispersed and rapidly changing areas of operations. Special Operation Forces rely on secure and resilient communications to maintain command and control, share information and coordinate with multinational partners. These capabilities are essential to NATO’s deterrence and defence posture.

NATO strengthens Special Operation Forces with next-generation deployable communications

The contract covers the delivery of six Deployable Points of Presence for Special Operations Component Commands (DPOP SOCC) and includes full lifecycle delivery, from system design to maintenance and training, ensuring the capability remains operationally ready over time.

The systems are designed to be rapidly deployable and scalable, enabling NATO to tailor its communications support to the needs of each mission, from small forward elements to deployed headquarters. This is key for Special Operations Forces, which often operate in austere, remote or rapidly changing environments where communications must remain secure, reliable and responsive.

The project will further contribute to NATO interoperability by enabling secure information sharing across multinational mission environments and supporting alignment with the NATO Federated Mission Networking. This will allow deployed forces to operate with common situational awareness, coordinated planning processes and effective command and control across the Alliance.

This project reflects cooperation between NCIA, SOFCOM and NATO industrial partners to deliver mission-relevant, sustainable and future-ready capabilities that meet NATO’s needs. It combines operational insight, with industrial expertise and NCIA’s role as NATO’s trusted technology and acquisition partner to deliver a robust and innovative solution aligned with the Alliance’s evolving needs.