NATO’s Satellite Ground Station in Kester is a key hub for secure and resilient satellite communications. Operated by NCIA on a 24/7 basis and manned with nearly thirty highly specialized military and civilian personnel, it ensures beyond line-of-sight communications with remote headquarters and deployed NATO forces.
During the visit, Blythe briefed the delegation on NCIA’s ongoing efforts in strengthening connectivity services for NATO and Allies. The discussion highlighted recent successes such as improving Joint Force Command (JFC) Norfolk’s communication resilience, by integrating commercial capabilities, expanding Deployable Satellite Ground Terminals, and introducing contingency systems to maintain the JFC’s connection with the rest of the Alliance in the face of possible disruption, and crises.
“This visit in Satellite Ground Station Kester helps our Operational Partner understand the importance of NATO’s SATCOM capabilities in ongoing NATO missions, operations, exercises and business continuity.” John Blythe told the attendees, “The NATO Integrated Mission Services Centre is NCIAs’ implementation arm for the provision of all SATCOM services and this visit is key to strengthening the partnership with one of our most trusted partners.”
Following the briefing, Kester Base Commander Thierry De Buyser and Senior Engineer Christ Defoort led the visitors on a tour of the SGS Kester facility, showcasing its advanced antenna systems and its role in providing secure satellite links across NATO operations.
NCIA operates six satellite ground stations and one satellite centre, ensuring secure and seamless communication for NATO command centres and deployed forces. Kester SAC S-01 is NATO’s newest satellite anchor station. Its position, only a few kilometres from Brussels, guarantees line-of-sight between NATO Headquarters and SHAPE, thus ensuring that the two headquarters are constantly able to communicate.