NATO Agency holds exercise to improve counter-drone technology

12 Nov 2021. The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) organized a counter-drone exercise from 2 to 12 November 2021 at the Lieutenant General Best Barracks in Vredepeel, the Netherlands. (NCIA) https://bit.ly/3wQ7smn

US bombers on long-range strategic deployment train with UK Allies above the North Sea

12 Nov 2021. U.S. B-52 s flew from the United States to join B-1B Lancers, based at RAF Fairford for Bomber Task Force missions, as well as UK and US fighters for a simulated targeting mission over the North Sea on 10 November.

Over 26 UK fighter aircraft including RAF Typhoons and F-35 Lightnings exercised with U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles, F-15D Eagles, and B-1B and B-52 strategic bombers. The training event demonstrated NATO Allies' ability to operate in a highly contested fighting environment with near-peer adversaries across a range of aircraft capabilities. (AIRCOM) https://bit.ly/3qwsky1

NATO jets intercept Russian nuclear-capable bombers over the Norwegian and North Seas

12 Nov 2021. Fighter aircraft from Belgium, Norway, the UK were scrambled to respond to Russian aircraft near allied airspace. In the High North, Norwegian F-16s took to the sky after a Norwegian P-3C aircraft identified a group of Russian military aircraft. While most of the group returned to Russia, two Tu-160 Blackjack nuclear-capable bombers continued to fly south over the North Sea. (AIRCOM) https://bit.ly/320r77R

NATO fighters and surveillance aircraft guard USS Mount Whitney entry into the Black Sea

8 Nov 2021. Allied airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft worked alongside US Air Force F-15Es in an air-maritime cooperation mission during USS Mount Whitney's entry into the Black Sea, November 4.

The amphibious command ship, USS Mount Whitney was supported by Allied air power throughout her movement in to the black sea. US F-15E Strike Eagles who are currently forward deployed in Romania and Bulgaria as part of exercise Castle Forge took part in the mission. Air maritime integration like this is the cornerstone of Allied multi-domain operations. (AIRCOM) https://bit.ly/3nbE3Qg

Allied fighter jets escort US B-1s through the Black Sea

8 Nov 2021. Allied fighters from Denmark, Poland, Canada, and the US escorted US Air Force B-1B bombers from Fairford, UK through Eastern Europe into the Black Sea for joint training on November 6. (AIRCOM) https://bit.ly/3CbqDIn

USS Mount Whitney and USS Porter Arrive in Batumi, Georgia

8 Nov 2021. The Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) and Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) arrived in Batumi, Georgia for a scheduled port visit, Nov. 8, 2021. (STRIKFORNATO) https://bit.ly/3wHL3Yp

Forced migration crisis at the heart of NATO PA lawmakers’ visit to Lithuania

10 Nov 2021. On 9 November, members visited Lithuania’s border with Belarus to gather further insights on the hybrid challenge the Belarusian regime poses to the region. Members took stock of the measures taken by Lithuanian border officials to combat border violations and provide humanitarian assistance to migrants already in Lithuania. The delegation also travelled to Rukla to hear from Lithuanian officers and representatives of the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence (EfP) Battle Group stationed there. (NATO PA) https://bit.ly/3HmnhWI

Statement by the North Atlantic Council on the situation at the Poland-Belarus border

12 Nov 2021

The North Atlantic Council strongly condemns the continued instrumentalisation of irregular migration artificially created by Belarus as part of hybrid actions targeted against Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia for political purposes.

These callous actions endanger the lives of vulnerable people. NATO Allies stand in solidarity with Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and other Allied nations affected, and support measures, guided by fundamental values and applicable international law, taken by Allies individually and collectively, in response to a situation that requires close coordination with key international partners.

We will remain vigilant against the risk of further escalation and provocation by Belarus at its borders with Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia, and will continue to monitor the implications for the security of the Alliance. NATO Allies call on Belarus to cease these actions, to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to abide by international law. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/320bb5B

NATO Secretary General’s new Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security appointed

09 Nov 2021. Irene Fellin has been appointed as the new NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security. An Italian national, Ms. Fellin has more than 15 years of experience as an international consultant for UN agencies and other national institutions. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/30lYykd

NATO fighters and surveillance aircraft guard USS Mount Whitney entry into the Black Sea

05 Nov 2021. Allied airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft worked alongside US Air Force F-15Es in an air-maritime cooperation mission during USS Mount Whitney's entry into the Black Sea, November 4. The amphibious command ship, USS Mount Whitney was supported by Allied air power throughout her movement in to the black sea. US F-15E Strike Eagles who are currently forward deployed in Romania and Bulgaria as part of exercise Castle Forge took part in the mission. Air surveillance and command and control was provided by Allied AEW aircraft. A Greek EMB-145 and a Turkish E-7T observed the region as USS Mount Whitney began her northbound transit into the Black Sea. (AIRCOM) https://bit.ly/3H26wjF

U.S. Sixth Fleet, and STRIKFORNATO Staffs begin Operations in the Mediterranean and Black Seas

29 Oct 2021. GAETA, Italy – U.S. Sixth Fleet (SIXTHFLT) and Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) staff embarked SIXTHFLT command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), Oct. 29, 2021. During the underway, Mount Whitney and the embarked staffs will operate alongside NATO allies and partners in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, working together to ensure security and stability in the region. Operating and exercising together demonstrates NATO's commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation in international waters for all nations. (STRIKFORNATO) https://bit.ly/3btq8yw

Conference of National Armaments Directors meets

27 Oct 2021. The Conference of National Armaments Directors (CNAD) met on Tuesday and Wednesday (26-27 October 2021) for its Autumn Plenary with representatives from Allied and Interoperability Platform (IP) partners, as part of its regular cycle of meetings. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3EAI5HJ

NATO Defence Ministers address key issues for Allied security

21 Oct 2021. NATO Defence Ministers discussed how to further strengthen the Alliance’s deterrence and defence, continuing NATO’s adaption to a more complex and competitive world. Ministers endorsed a new overarching plan to defend the Alliance in crisis and conflict. This will make sure NATO continues to have the right forces and capabilities, at the right place and at the right time, to protect our one billion people from any threat. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3BvZqzY

NATO releases new Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security

22 Oct 2021. NATO Defence Ministers endorsed NATO’s 2021-2025 Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (WPS). The new Action Plan supports NATO Allied commitment, reaffirmed at the 2021 Brussels summit, to further advance gender equality and integrate gender perspectives in all that NATO does, across political, civilian and military structures, from policies and planning, training and education, to missions and operations. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3mDnNYl

Secretary General reaffirms NATO’s commitment to counter terrorism at a meeting of Defence Ministers from the Global Coalition against ISIS

22 Oct 2021. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg joined an in-person meeting of Defence Ministers from framework nations of the Global Coalition against ISIS, chaired by the United States, in Brussels. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/31itlz8

NATO releases first-ever strategy for Artificial Intelligence

22 Oct 2021. NATO Defence Ministers agreed to NATO’s first-ever strategy for Artificial Intelligence (AI). (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/2ZDt2OZ

NATO Secretary General welcomes deepened cooperation with Finland and Sweden

27 Oct 2021. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg praised Finland and Sweden’s close partnership with NATO while visiting the Berga Naval Base with the North Atlantic Council, on Wednesday (27 October 2021). During the visit, they had the opportunity to witness the joint Swedish/Finnish Naval Exercise, SWENEX-21. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3mu9Rzt

NATO Allies take the lead on the development of NATO’s Innovation Fund

22 Oct 2021. On Friday (22 October 2021), at a signing ceremony hosted by NATO’s Secretary General, Defence Ministers from 17 Allied countries* agreed to take the lead on the development of NATO’s first Innovation Fund. (Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and the United Kingdom) (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3myoOAR

NATO Secretary General meets virtually with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi

27 Sep 2021. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met virtually with State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi of the People’s Republic of China. The Secretary General and the Foreign Minister discussed NATO-China relations and exchanged views on current international security challenges. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3ja1FCB

Deputy Secretary General: NATO will set the standard for ethical use of new technologies

27 Sep 2021. In a virtual address to the “AI and Cyber – An Abundance of Potential” conference, Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană stressed that NATO is determined to set the standard for the ethical use of emerging and disruptive technologies. Mr Geoană noted that NATO’s work has included the adoption of a new cyber defence policy, the launch of a Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) and the creation of a NATO Innovation Fund, which will help enhance cooperation with academia and start-ups developing dual-use technologies. These new initiatives also open opportunities for closer cooperation with other partners such as the European Union and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, he added. The upcoming adoption of NATO’s first AI strategy will set the standard for ethical use of AI in the defence and security realm, the Deputy Secretary General said. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/30uRx0F

NATO Secretary General takes part in the 67th Annual Session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly

11 Oct 2021. Speaking at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s Annual Session in Lisbon, NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, reiterated the importance of a strong commitment to NATO and the transatlantic bond. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3vjQr3f

NATO Secretary General: Europe and North America must stand strong together

07 Oct 2021. National Security Advisers from across the Alliance met in Brussels on Thursday (07 October 2021) to review progress in key areas, including enhancing deterrence and defence, technological innovation and responding to climate change. Mr. Stoltenberg said that the National Security Advisors discussed NATO’s next official master strategy document, its “Strategic Concept” which will be adopted at the Summit. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3vkJXkE

NATO Secretary General welcomes new Supreme Allied Commander Transformation

23 Sep 2021. General Philippe Lavigne of the French Air and Space Force took over from General André Lanata as Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, one of NATO’s two strategic commanders. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3m3pmNs

Thirty Allied Chiefs of Defence discuss the changing character of warfare

23 Sep 2021. NATO's thirty Chiefs of Defence gathered in Athens, Greece for the fall session of the Military Committee Conference 2021. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3udDHuo

NATO Chiefs of Defence elect Lieutenant General Janusz Adamczak to be next Director General of the NATO’s International Military Staff

18 Sep 2021. The Allied Chiefs of Defence have elected Lieutenant General Janusz Adamczak of the Polish Armed Forces to be the next Director of the NATO International Military Staff (DGIMS). (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3CM7RIi

NATO Secretary General attends virtual ministerial meeting on Afghanistan

30 Aug 2021. In a virtual meeting of Foreign Ministers from the G7 (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK, US) together with Turkey, Qatar, and the European Union on Monday (30 August 2021), NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the evacuation of over 100,000 people from Afghanistan was a historic operation executed under extreme duress. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3nqmFrv

Joint Support and Enabling Command declares Full Operational Capability

09 Sep 2021. On 8 September 2021, Joint Support and Enabling Command (JSEC) declared Full Operational Capability (FOC). (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3k7rgNv

Chair of the NATO Military Committee visits Turkey

08 Sep 2021. On the 6th and 7th September 2021, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Rob Bauer was in Turkey, where he met the Minister of Defence, Mr Hulusi Akar and the Chief of Defence, General Yaşar Güler. The Admiral visited NATO Allied Land Command, as well as the NATO-accredited Centre of Excellence Defence Against Terrorism and the Partnership for Peace Training Centre. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3C4DAE9

Turkish and Polish Air Forces conduct combined flying drills

26 Aug 2021. Turkish F-16 fighter aircraft currently conducting NATO's enhanced Air Policing in Malbork, Poland, conducted aerial manoeuvres with a Polish Air Force C-295M Casa transport aircraft on August 26 to fine-tune their skills and honing their capabilities through Allied cooperation. (AIRCOM) https://bit.ly/3joirhJ

NATO Secretary General participates in G7 meeting on Afghanistan

24 Aug 2021. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg took part in the virtual summit of the Group of Seven (G7) on Afghanistan on Tuesday (24 August 2021). He stressed the importance of keeping Kabul airport open in order to continue evacuations. Mr Stoltenberg said that several hundred NATO staff and contractors have been providing critical services, such as air traffic control, fuel supply, and communications at the airport. He added that NATO has also taken on a coordinating role to ensure that people can be evacuated as effectively as possible. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3ByTeaT

NATO Military Committee convenes special meeting with Resolute Support Mission Partners

19 Aug 2021. the NATO Military Committee convened a special meeting with its Resolute Support Mission Partners to discuss the ongoing situation in Afghanistan and the continued coordination of their common approach. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3zCdTda

Statement by NATO Foreign Ministers on Afghanistan

20 Aug 2021.

1. We, the Foreign Ministers of NATO, met today to discuss the difficult situation in Afghanistan.

2. We are united in our deep concern about the grave events in Afghanistan and call for an immediate end to the violence. We also express deep concerns about reports of serious human rights violations and abuses across Afghanistan. We affirm our commitment to the statement by the UN Security Council on 16 August, and we call for adherence to international norms and standards on human rights and international humanitarian law in all circumstances.

3. Our immediate task now is to meet our commitments to continue the safe evacuation of our citizens, partner country nationals, and at-risk Afghans, in particular those who have assisted our efforts. We call on those in positions of authority in Afghanistan to respect and facilitate their safe and orderly departure, including through Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul. As long as evacuation operations continue, we will maintain our close operational coordination through Allied military means at Hamid Karzai International Airport.

4. The Afghan people deserve to live in safety, security and dignity, and to build on the important political, economic and social achievements they have made over the last twenty years. We stand by civil society actors who must be able to continue to safely play their meaningful role in Afghan society. We call on all parties in Afghanistan to work in good faith to establish an inclusive and representative government, including with the meaningful participation of women and minority groups. Under the current circumstances, NATO has suspended all support to the Afghan authorities. Any future Afghan government must adhere to Afghanistan’s international obligations; safeguard the human rights of all Afghans, particularly women, children, and minorities; uphold the rule of law; allow unhindered humanitarian access; and ensure that Afghanistan never again serves as a safe haven for terrorists.

5. For the last twenty years, we have successfully denied terrorists a safe haven in Afghanistan from which to instigate attacks. We will not allow any terrorists to threaten us. We remain committed to fighting terrorism with determination, resolve, and in solidarity.

6. We honour the service and sacrifice of all who have worked tirelessly over the last twenty years to realise a better future for Afghanistan. Together, we will fully reflect on our engagement in Afghanistan and draw the necessary lessons. We will continue to promote the stable, prosperous Afghanistan that the Afghan people deserve and address the critical questions facing Afghanistan and the region, in the immediate future and beyond, including through our cooperation with regional and international partners, such as the European Union and United Nations. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3yngl6c

NATO Secretary General statement on Afghanistan

13 Aug 2021. NATO Allies met in the North Atlantic Council today to consult on the situation in Afghanistan. We continue to assess the developments on the ground, and we are in constant contact with the Afghan authorities and the rest of the international community. Our aim remains to support the Afghan government and security forces as much as possible. The security of our personnel is paramount. NATO will maintain our diplomatic presence in Kabul, and continue to adjust as necessary. NATO Allies are deeply concerned about the high levels of violence caused by the Taliban’s offensive, including attacks on civilians, targeted killings, and reports of other serious human rights abuses. The Taliban need to understand that they will not be recognised by the international community if they take the country by force. We remain committed to supporting a political solution to the conflict. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3xPzttd

NATO Allies stand together against wildfires

04 Aug 2021. Albania, Greece, North Macedonia and Turkey have received support from their NATO Allies in dealing with devastating wildfires faced since July. The assistance provided included the delivery of ground and air assets most needed to help contain the spread of the fires. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3yS9Fht

Statement by the acting NATO Spokesperson on the Mercer Street vessel attack

03 August 2021. We join Allies in strongly condemning the recent fatal attack on the MV Mercer Street off the coast of Oman, and express our condolences to Romania and the United Kingdom for the losses they have suffered. Freedom of navigation is vital for all NATO Allies, and must be upheld in accordance with international law. The United Kingdom, the United States, and Romania have concluded that Iran is highly likely responsible for this incident. Allies remain concerned by Iran's destabilising actions in the region, and call on Tehran to respect its international obligations. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3m5pSfz

NATO Baltic Air Policing fighters intercept Russian aircraft over the Baltic sea

30 July 2021. NATO scrambled Spanish Eurofighters and Italian F-35s on Thursday 29 July 2021 to intercept Russian military aircraft over the Baltic Sea. (AIRCOM) https://bit.ly/3zZf8mJ

Turkish fighters deployed to Poland make their first intercept

22 July 2021. Two Turkish F-16s flying from Malbork, Poland under NATO's Air Policing mission made their first intercept of an unknown aircraft on 20 July, 21. Allied fighters scramble 24/7 to identify aircraft without a flight plan or without a flight transponder to safeguard Allied airspace. (AIRCOM) https://bit.ly/3iS7uDU

Air-Maritime cooperation enhances shared situational awareness in the black sea

21 July 2021. On July 20, NATO Air and Maritime forces conducted a joint exercise in the Black Sea to improve Alliance situational awareness and practice air-maritime communications. SNMG 2 currently operating in the Black Sea includes the Italian Navy flagship Fasan, the Romanian Navy Regina Maria and the Turkish Navy Barbaros. Allied aircraft working alongside NATO Maritime Groups regularly participate in exercises in the Black Sea to improve interoperability and practice tactics, techniques and procedures. (AIRCOM) https://bit.ly/3BDaJYj

Statement by the North Atlantic Council in solidarity with those affected by recent malicious cyber activities including the Microsoft Exchange Server compromise

19 July 2021.

1. We observe with increasing concern that cyber threats to the security of the Alliance are complex, destructive, coercive, and becoming ever more frequent. This has been recently illustrated by ransomware incidents and other malicious cyber activity, targeting our critical infrastructure and democratic institutions, as well as exploiting weaknesses in hardware and software supply chains.
2. We condemn such malicious cyber activities which are designed to destabilize and harm Euro-Atlantic security and disrupt the daily lives of our citizens. We use NATO as a platform for political consultations, to share concerns about malicious cyber activities, to exchange national approaches and responses, as well as to consider possible collective responses. Reaffirming NATO’s defensive mandate, the Alliance is determined to employ the full range of capabilities, as applicable, at all times to actively deter, defend against, and counter the full spectrum of cyber threats, in accordance with international law. NATO will continue to adapt to the evolving cyber threat landscape, which is affected by both state and non-state actors, including state-sponsored. We remain committed to uphold strong national cyber defences, including through full implementation of NATO’s Cyber Defence Pledge.
3. We stand in solidarity with all those who have been affected by recent malicious cyber activities including the Microsoft Exchange Server compromise. Such malicious cyber activities undermine security, confidence and stability in cyberspace. We acknowledge national statements by Allies, such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, attributing responsibility for the Microsoft Exchange Server compromise to the People’s Republic of China. In line with our recent Brussels Summit Communiqué, we call on all States, including China, to uphold their international commitments and obligations and to act responsibly in the international system, including in cyberspace. We also reiterate our willingness to maintain a constructive dialogue with China based on our interests, on areas of relevance to the Alliance such as cyber threats, and on common challenges.
4. We promote a free, open, peaceful and secure cyberspace, and pursue efforts to enhance stability and reduce the risk of conflict by promoting respect for international law and the voluntary norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace, as recognized by all member states of the United Nations. We are working together as an Alliance and with like-minded partners to address these challenges. All States have an important role to play in promoting and upholding these voluntary norms of responsible state behaviour. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3zAPJPU

NATO ships exercise in the Black Sea

19 July 2021. Over 2,000 forces and 30 ships are taking part in exercise Breeze 2021 in the Black Sea. The Bulgarian-led maritime exercise, which began on 12 July and wraps up 19 July) involves forces from 14 NATO Allies and partners – Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and the United States. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/36XWq2r

NATO ship sails into the Black Sea

01 Jul 2021. Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) will enter the Black Sea on 1 July 2021 for the second time this year to conduct further routine operations and to participate in exercise Sea Breeze and Breeze. SNMG2 will enter the Black Sea under the command of the Italian Navy Rear Admiral Stefano Russo onboard ITS Fasan. During its deployment in the Black Sea, and after the joining of TCG Barbaros and ROS Regina Maria, SNMG2 will participate in bilateral U.S.-Ukraine exercise Sea Breeze 2021. SNMG2 will also participate in the Bulgarian-led maritime exercise, Breeze 2021, also held in the Black Sea. (MARCOM) https://bit.ly/3xSYLaO

Turkish Air Force joins NATO enhanced Air Policing in Poland

06 Jul 2021. Four Turkish Air Force F-16s from 6th Main Jet Base at Bandırma touched down at Malbork Air Base in Poland. An 80-strong Turkish Air Force detachment operates the fighters from Malbork until mid-September in support of NATO's Air Policing mission in the region. This is the second time, the Turkish Air Force contributes fighter jets to NATO Air Policing in the region, and the first deployment to Malbork, Poland. (AIRCOM) https://bit.ly/2VR5R1b

Artificial Intelligence used for the first time in British Army during Estonia-led Spring Strom

14 Jul 2021. During exercise Spring Storm conducted across Estonia at the turn of May and June, soldiers from the UK 20th Armoured Infantry Brigade's Mercian Regiment used an Artificial Intelligence (AI) engine which provides information on the surrounding environment and terrain. British service members have been deployed to Estonia within the framework of NATO's enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) and form the core of the Tapa-based Battle Group. Through the development of significant automation and smart analytics, the engine is able to rapidly cut through masses of complex data. Providing efficient information regarding the environment and terrain, it enables the Army to plan its appropriate activity and outputs. (SHAPE) https://bit.ly/3wQo0Jc

Eight Allies Reshape the Logistics for Ammunitions

16 Jul 2021. The Defence Ministers of Belgium, Estonia, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, and Spain signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Friday (16 July 2021) to modernize the storage and provision of ammunitions. Under the new Multinational Ammunition Warehousing Initiative – or MAWI - participating Allies will create a single set of principles for the storage and management of ammunition stockpiles in various multinational warehouse locations. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3xPxqGp

NATO Secretary General participates in Global Coalition ministerial meeting in Rome

28 Jun 2021. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg participated in a meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS in Rome on Monday (28 June 2021). Co-chaired by Italy and the United States, the ministerial was the group’s first in-person meeting in two years. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3rkbyR9

NATO holds Air Defence Exercise in Black Sea

02 Jul 2021. NATO Air and Maritime forces conducted an Air Defence Exercise (ADEX) in the Black Sea to improve Alliance cooperation, practise air-maritime communications and build stronger relationships between Allies. “Participation included Allied fighter assets from the Greek, Romanian and Turkish air forces, a NATO AWACS, a Romanian C-27 transport aircraft, a Turkish Military Patrol Aircraft and three Allied frigates from the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) – Italian Navy flagship Fasan, the Romanian Navy Regina Maria and the Turkish Navy Barbaros. SNMG 2 forces are transiting across the Black Sea and will take part in Exercise Sea Breeze 2021 after the ADEX. (AIRCOM) https://bit.ly/3rfX8RW

Allied Joint Force Command Norfolk declares Full Operational Capability

15 Jul 2021. Allied Joint Force Command Norfolk declared Full Operational Capability and marked the occasion with a ceremony presided over by its Commander, Vice Admiral Andrew Lewis. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3wOkD5J

Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 Changes Leadership

22 Jun 2021. In a ceremony held on USS Mount Whitney and via video teleconference on 19 June, 2021, Commander Jan Wijchers of the Royal Netherlands Navy handed over the command of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG1) to Captain Sam Brasfield of the United States Navy. (MARCOM) https://bit.ly/3diXT6Z

Exercise Steadfast Defender 2021 concludes

22 Jun 2021. Exercise Steadfast Defender 2021 concluded in Romania. More than 9,000 participants, nearly 650 pieces of equipment, and more than 20 NATO member states participated in the exercise. Steadfast Defender 2021 took place from 12 May to 22 June, and had three main parts focused on improving interoperability of Allied forces and practicing military mobility throughout Europe. (JFCNP) https://bit.ly/3djze28

RAF Typhoons scramble in response to Russian military aircraft over Black Sea

23 Jun 2021. Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters from RAF Lossiemouth currently conducting the NATO enhanced Air Policing mission in Romania, have been scrambled in response to several Russian fighters entering Romanian controlled air space over the Black Sea. Several Russian SU-24 Fencer and SU-30 Flanker fighters were tracked on June 22 entering the Romanian Flight Information Region, which is the area of International airspace controlled by Romania. The Russian aircraft had not previously filed flight plans or contacted air traffic controllers. (AIRCOM) https://bit.ly/2T2zjjX

Spain hands over command of SNMG2 to Italy

24 Jun 2021. Spain handed over the Command of Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) to Italy in a ceremony held in Cartagena, Spain on board ESPS Méndez Núñez, the outgoing flagship. (MARCOM) https://bit.ly/3hey7lg

NATO Allies and Partners Ready for Exercise SEA BREEZE 21

25 Jun 2021. In the Black Sea region, NATO is strengthening deterrence and defence with joint exercises and maritime patrols such as the upcoming exercise SEA BREEZE 2021. This is good example to how Allies and Partners provide unique training opportunities, designed to enhance readiness, improve collaboration, and interoperability in the Black Sea region. Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 will take part in the exercise, which will begin on Monday, June 28, 2021 and run through July 23. Co-hosted by the Ukrainian Navy and the U.S. Navy's Sixth Fleet, the annual bilateral exercise aims to strengthen maritime security in the Black Sea region. The exercise will focus on multiple warfare areas including amphibious warfare, land manoeuvre warfare, diving operations, maritime interdiction operations, air defence, special operations integration, anti-submarine warfare, and search and rescue operations. (SHAPE) https://bit.ly/3xWlZwa

NATO strengthens its partnership with Mauritania

25 Jun 2021. NATO and Mauritania are further developing their long-standing partnership, by widening the scope of their political dialogue and practical cooperation. NATO civil and military officials have just completed a trip to Mauritania, where they discussed opportunities for potential additional advice, training and capacity building activities in support to Mauritanian national defence and security structures and institutions. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3xVx4xu

Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach completes his mandate

25 Jun 2021. Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach ends his three-year tenure. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3A70mLp

Admiral Rob Bauer begins his tenure as Chair of the NATO Military Committee

25 Jun 2021. Admiral Rob Bauer of the Royal Netherlands Navy took over as Chair of the NATO Military Committee. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3A452So

NSPA to support Takuba Task Force in Mali

15 Jun 2021. The NATO Support and Procurement Organisation (NSPO) has signed a Framework Technical Arrangement with the Ministry of Armed Forces of the French Republic for the provision of services in Mali (Africa), in support of the Takuba Task Force. The support provision includes food and base services, engineering services, infrastructure maintenance, fuel services and intra-theatre air and ground transportation. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3j3gM1c

Defence Expenditure of NATO Countries (2014-2021)

11 Jun 2021. Defence Expenditure of NATO Countries (2014-2021) has been published by NATO. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3qefXEH

Brussels Summit Communiqué

14 Jun 2021. Brussels Summit Declaration is issued by the Heads of State and Government participating in the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Brussels. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/2UmeOyX

Foreign Ministers prepare the NATO Summit, exchange views on NATO 2030

01 Jun 2021. NATO Foreign Ministers met on Tuesday (1 June 2021) in order to prepare for the NATO Summit on 14 June. “Ministers addressed a range of issues including Afghanistan, Belarus, Russia and China; and overall, the need for NATO to adapt to a new era of growing global competition,” “Finally, there is broad agreement for the need to start work on NATO’s next Strategic Concept, because our strategic environment has significantly changed since 2010,” said the Secretary General. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3io2k3I

NATO Defence Ministers endorse new policy on preventing and responding to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV)

01 Jun 2021. At their virtual meeting on 1 June 2021, Defence Ministers have endorsed NATO’s new policy on preventing and responding to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/2TMSRJ5

Statement by the North Atlantic Council on Belarus

26 May 2021.

• The North Atlantic Council strongly condemns the forced diversion to Minsk, Belarus of a Ryanair flight between Athens and Vilnius on 23 May, as well as the removal from the diverted aircraft and arrest of Raman Pratasevich, a prominent Belarusian journalist travelling on board, and Sofia Sapega. This unacceptable act seriously violated the norms governing civil aviation and endangered the lives of the passengers and crew. We support calls for an urgent independent investigation, including by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). We support measures taken by Allies individually and collectively in response to this incident.
• The detention of Mr. Pratasevich is an affront to the principles of political dissent and freedom of the press. Belarus must immediately and unconditionally release Mr. Pratasevich and Ms. Sapega. NATO Allies call on Belarus to respect fundamental human rights and freedoms, and to abide by the rules-based international order. Allies stand in solidarity with Latvia following the unjustified expulsion of Latvian diplomats. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3wONLdz

NATO Chiefs of Defence ensure military adaptability

18 May 2021.NATO’s 30 Allied Chiefs of Defence met today, 18 May, at NATO Headquarters for their second meeting of 2021. Four weeks away from the Heads of State and Government Summit at NATO Headquarters in Belgium, the Allied Chiefs discussed NATO 2030, Military Strategic adaptation and planning, and NATO-led operations, missions, activities. They also met with the Chiefs of Defence of two of NATO’s Enhanced Opportunity Partners, Ukraine and Georgia. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3bOvd50

Agency announces winners of drone data challenge

20 May 2021. The NCI Agency ran the challenge between February and May 2021, as a part of hosting the International Conference on Military Communications and Information Systems, or ICMCIS. This year's ICMCIS focused on the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to the areas of military situational awareness and decision making.

After evaluating the submissions by comparing the test set with the ground truth data, the top four submissions were asked to share their approach and techniques in more depth with a wider community during the special session on C-UAS and Radio Frequency technologies at ICMCIS.

The top four teams were:

• Centre For Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH) Information Technologies Institute (ITI) Virtual and Augmented Reality Lab (VARlab) Team: The CERTH ITI VARlab Team proposed a tracker based on machine learning technologies, which is something new in the tracking domain. Although the team has not specifically addressed data association, track management or fusion of data from multiple sensors, aspects their solution scored relatively high.

• Defence Science & Technology Laboratories (DSTL): The DSTL team used well-studied tracking and data fusion techniques available under the open source project known as Stone Soup. They fused all data from two radar sensors and two RF direction finders and solved specific challenges such as data association, track filtering and track management. The DSTL jupyter notebook posted on Kaggle is a great example of how the C-UAS tracking and data fusion problem can be solved.

• CERTH ITI Visual Computing Lab Team: The CERTH ITI Visual Computing Lab team used a mix of well-known techniques such as the Hungarian algorithm to solve the data association problem and a machine learning solution for the filtering part.

• Horizon Lab: The Horizon team proposed an innovative solution based on machine learning, and although with less focus on challenges such as data association, track management or data fusion; their solution scored relatively high in the Mean Root Square Error (MRSE) parameter used in the ranking. (NCIA) https://bit.ly/3bOkqaO

STRIKFORNATO and U.S. Sixth Fleet Commence Complex Air and Missile Defense Exercise

15 May 2021. North Atlantic Ocean - Exercise At-Sea Demo/Formidable Shield (ASD/FS) 2021, a live-fire integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) exercise conducted by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO on behalf of U.S. Sixth Fleet, kicked off May 15, 2021 at the U.K. Ministry of Defence’s Hebrides Range in the vicinity of the Western Isles of Scotland. (STRIKFORNATO) https://bit.ly/3olvvW0

NATO and Austria sign agreement on liaison office in Vienna

10 May 2021. The Secretary General welcomed the Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg, to NATO HQ for discussions about the strong partnership that exists between Austria and the Alliance. The bilateral meeting was followed by a signing ceremony of the agreement between NATO and the Austrian Federal Government on the legal status of NATO’s Liaison Office in Vienna. Once in force, this agreement will pave the way for the formal establishment of the NATO Liaison Office to the OSCE and other international organisations in Vienna. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3yhHskg

NATO warships start major air and missile defence exercise

15 May 2021. Europe’s biggest and most complex air and missile exercise gets underway on Saturday (15 May 2021) with ships and aircraft from across NATO defending against a variety of missiles. Exercise “At-Sea-Demo/Formidable Shield” is held primarily at the Hebrides range off Scotland, and also at the Andoya training site off Norway, involving 15 ships and dozens of aircraft from ten NATO nations. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3tMIr8F

Four NATO Allies and one partner boost Special Operations Forces capabilities

12 May 2021. The Regional Special Operations Component Command (R-SOCC) declared that it has reached Initial Operational Capability on 12 May 2021 as part of exercise Black Swan 2021 (19 April – 14 May 2021). Under the leadership of Hungary, R-SOCC will provide the participating nations (Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, and Slovenia) with a temporary deployable command element specifically dedicated to leading operations of special forces. R-SOCC provides a regional capability similar to the Composite Special Operations Component Command (C-SOCC) established by Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands, which reached its Full Operational Capability in December of 2020.

The command will increase the ability of the five participating nations to effectively employ their special operations forces, and will enable each nation to use its own contributions separately, while benefitting from an integrated R-SOCC structure once activated for deployment. The next main milestones of R-SOCC are to reach Full Operational Capability by December 2024 and to make the command available for the NATO Response Force in 2025.

R-SOCC is one of NATO’s multinational High Visibility Projects and was launched by the Defence Ministers of the five nations through a Letter of Intent in February 2019. This was followed by a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia in October 2019, and by Austria in December 2020. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3onzlhe

Exercise Steadfast Defender 2021 to test NATO readiness and military mobility

06 May 2021. NATO exercise Steadfast Defender 2021 kicks off this month, bringing together more than 20 NATO Allies and partners from North America and Europe (Albania, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Montenegro, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, and NATO partners Finland and Sweden). “Exercise Steadfast Defender 2021 will test NATO’s readiness and military mobility – with forces deploying across land and sea, all the way from North America to the Black Sea region and off the coast of Portugal,” said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. “With over 9,000 troops, the exercise demonstrates that NATO has the capabilities and the resolve to protect all Allies against any threat,” he added. The first phase of Steadfast Defender 2021 focuses on the rapid reinforcement of NATO’s European Allies by North American forces. This phase is led by Joint Force Command Norfolk and will include a maritime live exercise with around 5,000 forces and 18 ships, including the UK’s Carrier Strike Group led by HMS Queen Elizabeth. Meanwhile, a table-top part of the exercise will take part in Ulm, Germany. This will train and test the ability of NATO’s new Joint Support and Enabling Command to coordinate the speedy movement of Allied forces and equipment across European borders. Some 300 personnel will be involved in this part of the exercise. In late May, NATO’s annual Noble Jump will take place under the umbrella of Steadfast Defender 2021.This will see the deployment of the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), led by Turkey, to Romania. Some 4,000 troops from 12 countries will be involved. Other associated exercises will take place in the region as well. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/2R5bBT4

Denmark reaffirms its commitment to command NATO Mission Iraq

06 May 2021. Lieutenant-General Michael Lollesgaard of the Danish Armed Forces assumed command of the NATO Mission Iraq, following a ceremony held in Baghdad. He succeeds Lieutenant General Per Olsen of the Danish Armed Forces, who had commanded the mission since November 2020. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3bbHnVc

NATO successfully tests Rapid Air Mobility procedures

05 May 2021. NATO successfully tested procedures to fast-track the airlift of troops and equipment across Europe in a simulated crisis exercise in April. The three-day test of the Alliance’s “rapid air mobility” initiative was held in close coordination with Eurocontrol, the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3vQ6gxG

NATO Defence Education Enhancement Programme develops a strategy in support of professional military education

29 Apr 2021. Responding to the challenges of the pandemic, many NATO Allies and partners participated in a virtual meeting of the ‘COVID-19 Defence Education Distance Learning Best Practices and Lessons Learned – Strategy Development Conference’ from 12-14 April 2021. Organised by NATO’s Defence Education Enhancement Programme (DEEP) and the War Studies University in Warsaw, the conference suports the adaptation and development of professional military education with online platforms. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3eeo7IO

France takes command of NATO naval group for the first time

26 Apr 2021. In a ceremony held remotely by video teleconference due to COVID-19 measures, Captain Yusuf Karagulle (Turkish Navy) handed over the command of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group Two (SNMCMG2) to Commander Gregory Guiran (French Navy) on Friday, 23 April 2021. (MARCOM) https://bit.ly/2SlD5UN

NATO Secretary General announces date of the 2021 Brussels Summit

22 Apr 2021. The next Summit of Allied leaders will take place on 14 June 2021 at NATO HQ in Brussels, Belgium. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3evGszN

North Atlantic Council statement in solidarity with the Czech Republic

22 Apr 2021

• Today, the Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs briefed the North Atlantic Council on activities by Russian operatives inside the Czech Republic, which resulted in the explosions in 2014 of ammunition storage depots at Vrbetice. The explosion caused the deaths of two people who worked at the site, for which Allies express their condolences, as well as very substantial material damage.
• The Minister confirmed that the Czech authorities have identified two Russian intelligence operatives as having been responsible for the explosion – the same two Russian intelligence operatives who remain wanted by the United Kingdom authorities in relation to the attack carried out in Salisbury in 2018 using a military-grade Novichok nerve agent of a type developed by Russia.
• In response to its determination of Russia’s responsibility for these actions, the Czech Republic has expelled 18 Russian officials who are members of Russia’s intelligence services, and is considering further substantial measures. Allies express deep concern over the destabilising actions Russia continues to carry out across the Euro-Atlantic area, including on Alliance territory, and stand in full solidarity with the Czech Republic. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3xoWW5p

Secretary General addresses global leaders on NATO’s response to climate change

22 Apr 2021. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday (22 April 2021) set out how NATO is stepping up its efforts to deal with climate change. He was attending the Leaders Summit on climate, at the invitation of President Joe Biden and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3sSgTxU

Poland joins NATO assurance mission for Turkey

20 Apr 2021. Poland deployed a contingent of troops to Turkey on Tuesday (20 April 2021), in support of NATO measures to bolster security in the southeast of the Alliance. The long-planned deployment will involve up to 80 personnel, supporting Turkey with maritime patrols over the eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea with a Polish M28 “Bryza” aircraft. The mission will also work alongside NATO's naval groups in the region. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3eultNZ

Royal Air Force begins deploying for NATO enhanced Air Policing Mission in Romania

12 Apr 2021. Royal Air Force (RAF) Support Force units from RAF Wittering, UK have begun deploying equipment ready to launch this year’s RAF contribution to the NATO enhanced Air Policing Mission from Romania. Logistical specialists are preparing and transporting the equipment and supplies needed to sustain the Typhoon jets. They will deploy to carry out the NATO enhanced Air Policing mission in the Black Sea region this summer in support of the Alliance’s deterrence and defence measures. (AIRCOM) https://bit.ly/3n4N38f

NATO-Ukraine Commission addresses security situation in and around Ukraine

14 Apr 2021. The NATO-Ukraine Commission met at NATO Headquarters in Brussels on Tuesday (13 April 2021) to address the security situation in and around Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba briefed Allies on the latest developments in the region. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3ajQq6f

North Atlantic Council Statement following the announcement by the United States of actions with regard to Russia

15 Apr 2021.

• NATO Allies support and stand in solidarity with the United States, following its 15 April announcement of actions to respond to Russia’s destabilising activities. Allies are taking actions individually and collectively to enhance the Alliance’s collective security.
• Russia continues to demonstrate a sustained pattern of destabilising behaviour, including its violations of Ukraine’s and Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and continued violation, non-implementation, and circumvention of numerous international obligations and commitments, including the Budapest Memorandum. Examples include attempted interference in Allied elections, including the U.S. presidential election; widespread disinformation campaigns; and malicious cyber activities. The United States and other Allies assess that all available evidence points to the responsibility of the Russian Federation for the SolarWinds hack. We stand in solidarity with the United States. We condemn the attack on Alexei Navalny, a Russian opposition figure, with the use of a nerve agent from the banned Novichok group. Any use of chemical weapons, under any circumstances, is a clear breach of international law and contrary to the Chemical Weapons Convention. Reports that Russia encouraged attacks against U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan are also of concern.
• Allies will continue to work in close consultation to address Russia’s actions, which constitute a threat to Euro-Atlantic security. We call on Russia to cease immediately its destabilising behaviour, and to uphold its international obligations, as Allies do theirs, including existing arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation agreements and commitments. We also call on Russia to cease its provocations and to immediately de-escalate tensions on Ukraine’s borders and in illegally-annexed Crimea.
• While we continue to ensure our deterrence and defence posture, NATO remains open to periodic, focused, and meaningful dialogue, and to a constructive relationship with Russia when Russia’s actions make that possible. We regret that Russia continues to disregard NATO’s early 2020 invitation to hold a meeting of the NATO-Russia Council. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3svImW9

North Atlantic Council Ministerial Statement on Afghanistan

14 Apr 2021. In 2001, Allies invoked Article 5 of the Washington Treaty for the only time in NATO’s history and went to Afghanistan together with clear objectives: to confront al-Qaeda and those who attacked the United States on September 11, and to prevent terrorists from using Afghanistan as a safe haven to attack us. In the ensuing decades through the investment of blood and treasure, and in partnership with the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and its security forces, we have worked together to achieve these goals.

In light of this and recognising that there is no military solution to the challenges Afghanistan faces, Allies have determined that we will start the withdrawal of Resolute Support Mission forces by May 1. This drawdown will be orderly, coordinated, and deliberate. We plan to have the withdrawal of all US and Resolute Support Mission forces completed within a few months. Any Taliban attacks on Allied troops during this withdrawal will be met with a forceful response.

The conclusion of NATO’s Resolute Support Mission takes place against the backdrop of renewed regional and international support for political progress toward peace. We will continue to support the ongoing Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process. We welcome the Istanbul Conference as an opportunity to move the peace process forward and to reinforce the progress made in Doha. We call on the Afghan government and the Taliban to adhere to their commitments to the peace process initiated by the US-Taliban agreement and the US-Afghanistan Joint Declaration.

NATO Allies and partners will continue to stand with Afghanistan, its people, and its institutions in promoting security and upholding the gains of the last 20 years. Withdrawing our troops does not mean ending our relationship with Afghanistan. Rather, this will be the start of a new chapter. A sustainable peace in Afghanistan will have at its foundation an enduring, comprehensive, and inclusive peace agreement that puts an end to violence, safeguards the human rights of all Afghans, particularly women, children, and minorities, upholds the rule of law, and ensures that Afghanistan never again serves as a safe haven for terrorists.

NATO assembled one of the largest coalitions in history to serve in Afghanistan. Our troops went into Afghanistan together, we have adjusted together, and now we are leaving together. We are grateful to all who served in and supported this mission, including Afghanistan’s security forces. We honour the sacrifices of those who paid the ultimate price in service to it. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3mZfa8T

NATO Military Committee Chairman visits Ukraine

07 Apr 2021. Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee and senior military advisor to the Secretary General paid a long-planned visit to Kyiv, Ukraine on 6-7 April 2021. Air Chief Marshal Peach met with the President of Ukraine, Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Colonel-General Ruslan Khomchak. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/2PUCGYn

NATO PA And Georgian Parliamentarians Discuss Political Crisis, Regional Security and Georgia’s NATO Integration

09 Apr 2021. Meeting in the framework of the Georgia-NATO Interparliamentary Council (GNIC), the NATO PA leadership and members of the Georgian delegation held a frank and open exchange of views on the evolving political crisis in Georgia, wider developments in the region, cooperation with NATO and the NATO PA, as well as the country’s active contribution to Euro-Atlantic security. (NATO PA) https://bit.ly/2RpMY3k

Belgian F-16s ready for NATO Response Force

31 Mar 2021. An international team from Allied Air Command’s Tactical Evaluation (TACEVAL) division conducted a final assessment at Florennes Air Base declaring the Belgian F-16 fighters ready to for NATO Response Force duties in 2021. (AIRCOM) https://bit.ly/2PZM2BK

Allied perceptions on security, defence and NATO

31 Mar 2021. In 2019 and 2020 NATO commissioned surveys across all 30 Allies to understand perceptions of Allied citizens. This extended data set includes additional metrics on familiarity with NATO, support for defence spending and support for international cooperation. Key findings;

• The transatlantic bond continues to rate as highly important in dealing with security challenges (79% consider the relationship between North America and Europe important, compared to 81% in 2019; only 4% say it is unimportant).
• Collective defence receives strong support across the Alliance: 69% agree their country should defend another country if attacked; only 9% disagree. 76% agree other NATO countries should defend their country if attacked with only 6% disagreeing; and 58% agree NATO membership deters foreign attack (16% disagree).
• Voting intention remains high. In a referendum, 62% of Allies would vote for their nation to remain a NATO member. Only 11% would vote against membership.
• Familiarity with the organisation is stable and high: 81% know NATO at least a little, compared to 79% in 2019. 48% know NATO very well or a fair amount and only 4% have never heard of the organisation.
• Defence spending: 70% support maintained or increased defence spending, as in 2019; 16% consider their nation should spend less on defence. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/2PskEwG

Turkey continues its efforts for Afghanistan’s lasting security, through the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission

30 Mar 2021. On 30 March 2021, Turkish Brigadier General Selçuk Yurtsizoğlu assumed command of the NATO-led Train, Advise, Assist Command-Capital, receiving his flag from Lieutenant General Nicola Zanelli, Deputy Commander of the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission. Brigadier General Yurtsizoğlu replaced Brigadier General Ahmet Yaşar Dener. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/2PTrF9E

NATO Secretary General joins meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS

30 Mar 2021. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg took part in a virtual meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS on Tuesday (30 March 2021), co-hosted by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmès. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3wly5Pz

NATO jets intercept Russian warplanes during unusual level of air activity

29 Mar 2021. NATO fighter jets scrambled 10 times on Monday, March 29, 2021, to shadow Russian bombers and fighters during an unusual peak of flights over the North Atlantic, North Sea, Black Sea and Baltic Sea. In all, NATO aircraft intercepted six different groups of Russian military aircraft near Alliance airspace in less than six hours. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3wr17x0

NATO forces take part in Sea Shield exercise

26 Mar 2021. Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) participated in the Romania-led exercise Sea Shield that runs 19-29 March, in the Black Sea. (MARCOM) https://bit.ly/3dgVskA

NATO Foreign Ministers discuss Russia and arms control

24 Mar 2021. Allied foreign ministers met at NATO Headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday for a discussion on Russia and arms control. They were joined by partner nations Finland and Sweden, as well as the EU High Representative Josep Borrell. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3lYjfK5

NATO Foreign Ministerial Statement Issued by the NATO Foreign Ministers, Brussels, 23rd-24th March 2021

23 Mar 2021.

• We are meeting in Brussels to reaffirm the enduring transatlantic bond between Europe and North America, with NATO at its heart. We are bound together by our shared democratic values, and by our adherence to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. NATO is the foundation of our collective defence: together we reaffirm our solemn commitment to the Washington Treaty, including that an attack against one Ally shall be considered an attack against us all, as enshrined in Article 5.
• NATO is the strongest alliance in history, guaranteeing the freedom of a billion people, the integrity of our territory, and the protection of our values. NATO is a defensive Alliance and poses no threat to any country. In response to a more dangerous and unpredictable security environment, we are considerably strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defence capabilities, posture and resilience, underpinned by seven consecutive years of rising defence spending, more capable and ready forces, significant deployments in missions and operations, and deeper engagement with partners. We are making good progress on fairer transatlantic burden sharing; we welcome the efforts made by all Allies in Europe and North America that contribute to our indivisible security. We must and will do more.
• NATO will continue to adapt. We face rising threats and systemic competition. Russia’s aggressive actions constitute a threat to Euro-Atlantic security; terrorism in all its forms and manifestations remains a persistent threat to us all. Assertive and authoritarian powers, and non-state actors, challenge the rules-based international order, including through hybrid and cyber threats, the malicious use of new technologies, as well as other asymmetric threats. The Covid-19 pandemic once again illustrates that we face constantly evolving challenges; we will continue to ensure our defence and operational effectiveness throughout this crisis. We pay tribute to all those who combat this pandemic in all our countries and around the world.
• The transatlantic partnership remains the cornerstone of our collective defence, central to our political cohesion, and an essential pillar of the rules-based international order. The upcoming NATO Summit will open a new chapter in transatlantic relations and set the direction for the future of our Alliance to 2030 and beyond. In line with the decision by our Leaders in London in December 2019, we will further strengthen NATO’s political dimension, including consultation. We welcome the reflection process, including the recommendation to update NATO’s Strategic Concept. We will further reinforce NATO’s resilience, military strength and global outlook, connecting more closely with other nations and international organisations that share our goals. We will continue to stand together and to work together, to guarantee our security, prosperity, democracy and freedoms. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3fsWxIR

Italy boosts its resilience with NATO support, in response to medical emergencies

17 Mar 2021. The NATO Support and Procurement Agency will deliver 18 field hospitals to the Italian Armed Forces. These new facilities will be set up at the Cecchignola Military Compound based in Rome and will help to enhance the country’s response to medical emergencies. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/2OXvI4z

Directors General of the NATO and EU International Military Staffs meet to assess ongoing cooperation

16 Mar 2021. Lieutenant General Hans-Werner Wiermann, Director General of the NATO International Military Staff, hosted a virtual meeting with his EU counterpart, Vice Admiral Hervé Bléjean to discuss the ongoing EU-NATO cooperation, including in exercises, training, military mobility and medical cooperation. The meeting concluded with the presentation of the COVID-19 lessons-learned programme spearheaded by NATO Allied Command Transformation, with the support of NATO Centres of Excellence. https://bit.ly/3ca8Wzk

Secretary General presents his Annual Report for 2020

16 Mar 2021. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg held a virtual press conference to launch his Annual Report for 2020, which covers all aspects of the work of the Alliance over the past year. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3s93uC1

Alliance scientists study the military impact of COVID-19

16 Mar 2021. NATO’s network of over 6,000 scientists and engineers continue to support efforts to tackle the effects of COVID-19. The network recently completed a study analysing the military impact of the pandemic over the next six years. The study looks at the impact of COVID-19 on a range of military functional areas, such as personnel, intelligence, operations, logistics, planning, communications, training and civil affairs. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3sd0a99

Iraq’s Foreign Minister addresses the North Atlantic Council on strengthening NATO-Iraq cooperation

11 Mar 2021. The Foreign Minister of Iraq Fuad Hussein briefed the North Atlantic Council virtually. The discussion focused on NATO-Iraq cooperation and on NATO’s advising and training mission in Iraq. NATO Ambassadors, as well as those of operational partners Australia, Finland and Sweden took part. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted the long-standing political-military dialogue between NATO and Iraqi officials, including his regular engagements with Foreign Minister Hussein and Prime Minister al-Kadhimi. The Secretary General also reiterated that NATO is in Iraq at the request of the government of Iraq, to strengthen its security institutions and forces, so that they are able themselves to stabilise their country, fight terrorism and prevent the return of ISIS. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3lft7yB

NATO Operation Sea Guardian focused patrols return to Central Mediterranean

11 Mar 2021. The flagship Hellenic Navy frigate Salamis and the Croatian Navy missile boat Dubrovnik, supported by aircrafts and submarines from Greece, Italy and Turkey, deployed to the Central Mediterranean as part of NATO’s maritime security operation, Operation Sea Guardian (OSG) on 11 March 2021. (MARCOM) https://bit.ly/3qGbYze

NATO Allies hold simultaneous Baltic Sea, Black Sea drills

03 Mar 2021. NATO conducted military exercises simultaneously over the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea on Wednesday (3 March 2021) ensuring that allied forces remain ready to operate together and respond to any threat. Taking off from Norway, two US Air Force B-1 bombers trained with fighter aircraft from Poland, Italy and Germany over the Baltic Sea and flew over the capitals of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. In a separate event, two French Rafale fighter jets from the aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle and two Spanish F-18 aircraft on NATO duty in Romania took part in drills involving NATO warships in the Black Sea. The Black Sea maneuvers saw the French and Spanish fighter jets prod the air defences of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group Two, which is currently in the region. The fleet of NATO minehunters, supported by three Romanian F-16 fighters, faced simulated attacks from the French and Spanish jets, including with anti-ship missiles. A NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft flying out of Konya in Turkey and an Italian KC-767 refueling aircraft supported the drill. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/38j1IX4

Secretary General welcomes NATO Parliamentary Assembly at an important juncture for the transatlantic community

02 Mar 2021. Members of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NPA) attended a virtual meeting with the North Atlantic Council, on 2 March 2021, to exchange views on NATO’s agenda for the year. The meeting focused on preparations for the 2021 NATO Summit, in particular on the adaptation of the Alliance through the NATO 2030 initiative. The Secretary General thanked the parliamentarians for their active and valuable contributions to the NATO 2030 process. The North Atlantic Council and the NPA discussed the importance of placing democratic values at the centre of NATO’s future adaptation. It was also an opportunity to discuss the update of strategic concept, burden sharing, resilience and the COVID-19 pandemic. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3c7LlxX

U.S. Bombers Arrive in Norway for the First Time, Demonstrating Transatlantic Link

23 Feb 2021. U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers arrived at the Norwegian Air Base in Oerland on February 22, 2021 for the first time in the both Allies’ history. (AIRCOM) https://bit.ly/3bK51YA

NATO Mission Iraq Commander discusses expansion with Government of Iraq Representatives

26 Feb 2021. Lieutenant General Per Olsen, was honoured to participate in a workshop with representatives of the Government of Iraq to discuss in greater detail the cooperation and coordination between NMI and the Iraqi government. This workshop was held following the decision by NATO Ministers of Defence on 18 February 2021 authorizing an expansion of NATO Mission Iraq. All thirty NATO Allies and three partners (Australia, Finland and Sweden) support NATO Mission Iraq. (JFCNP)https://bit.ly/2PfZlxD

NATO Deputy Secretary General and Allies exchange views with the Finnish Foreign Minister

24 Feb 2021. NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană welcomed Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto to NATO Headquarters today (24 February 2021) to discuss common security issues and opportunities for further cooperation. The Finnish Foreign Minister also took part in a meeting of the North Atlantic Council. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3bLagag

NATO to step up work on Human Security Approach

25 Feb 2021. At a high-level online conference, NATO discussed how to enhance its human security approach as part of a broader collective effort with an international community of interest including national experts, civil society, think tank and academic representatives. NATO’s five main lines of effort under Human Security are: the protection of civilians; children and armed conflict; countering trafficking in human beings; preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence; and cultural property protection. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3r7sA3R

Secretary General at European Council: NATO and the EU must do even more together

26 Feb 2021. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg addressed leaders in the European Council on Friday (26 February 2021), arguing for further strengthening NATO-EU cooperation and the NATO 2030 initiative. Speaking alongside President Charles Michel before the meeting, the Secretary General said that today’s challenges are too serious for any country or continent to face alone, but require Europe and North America to work together even more closely. He added that 90 percent of EU citizens live in a NATO country, and we share the same neighbourhood and the same challenges, so NATO and the EU should build on already strong cooperation to boost the resilience of our societies, invest in new technologies, combat climate change, and support partners. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3r5zpmq

NATO Secretary General sets out ambitious transatlantic agenda at Munich Security Conference

19 Feb 2021. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called for a strong NATO at the heart of a new transatlantic agenda. Speaking at a virtual meeting of the Munich Security Conference on Friday (19 February), Mr. Stoltenberg said, “we now have an historic opportunity to build a stronger Alliance, to regain trust and reinforce our unity - Europe and North America working together in NATO in strategic solidarity.” (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3k7xzPs

Defence Ministers reaffirm NATO’s commitment to Afghanistan and Iraq security

18 Feb 2021. On Afghanistan, Ministers reiterated their commitment to the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission - with training and funding for the brave Afghan security forces - and their strong support to the Afghan peace process, which is the best chance to end years of suffering and violence and bring lasting peace to Afghanistan.

On Iraq, Ministers agreed to expand the scope of the NATO mission, following Iraq’s request, in order to support the Iraqi forces as they fight terrorism and ensure that ISIS does not return. The mission will continue to be carried out with full respect for Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and in close coordination with the Global Coalition. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/37CbFP9

NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance force achieves initial operational capability

16 Feb 2021. On 15 February NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Tod Wolters, declared the NATO AGS RQ-4D remotely piloted aircraft initially operationally ready to conduct missions. This is a major milestone for the programme, which will substantially increase the Alliance’s awareness, indications and warnings of what is happening around its borders. (AIRCOM) https://bit.ly/2NHT5y2

13 Allies and one NATO partner expand munitions cooperation amid significant success

19 Feb 2021. The Defence Ministers of Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, the United Kingdom, and partner nation Finland, signed an amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding on the Air-to-Ground Precision Guided Munitions (A2G-PGM) High Visibility Project, expanding it into a more comprehensive Air Battle Decisive Munitions (ABDM) framework. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3k9EU0G

Belgium joins the NATO Flight Training Europe initiative

19 Feb 2021. Belgium joined Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and Turkey, to work on establishing a network of pilot training facilities across Europe. The NFTE aims to ensure that sufficient state-of-the-art pilot training is available around Europe in a manner that is cost-efficient and interoperable. This is a high priority, given that for many smaller European Allies, national pilot requirements do not justify national training centers. As a result, Allies often send their pilots for training to the United States, creating additional strain on US capabilities. (NATO hq) https://bit.ly/3pHFkMY

NATO PA President calls for urgent resolution of political crisis in Georgia

18 Feb 2021. Following the lifting of the parliamentary immunity of Nikanor Melia, Chairman of the United National Movement (UNM) opposition party, the Tbilisi City Court ordered his pre-trial detention yesterday. Implementation of this decision was later suspended following Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia’s resignation. (NATO PA) https://bit.ly/2Nr9wPu

Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 visits Haifa, trains with Israel forces

16 Feb 2021. Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) has recently completed a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) with Israeli Navy units in the Eastern Mediterranean. This PASSEX concludes the collaboration between SNMG2 units and the Israeli Navy after a three-day port visit to Haifa, Israel, between 12-15 February 2021. SNMG2 is currently composed by ESPS Cristobal Colon (Flag Ship), ITS Fasan and HS Kountouriotis. (MARCOM) https://bit.ly/3uneD3G

Turkey takes over command of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2

19 Feb 2021. On 20 February 2021, Turkey took over the command of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group Two (SNMCMG2). The virtual Change of Command was held on 19 February, led by Vice Admiral Keith Blount, Commander of Maritime Command, and the ceremony took place in Istanbul, Turkey with the participation of core personnel of the flagship TCG Sokullu Mehmetpasa, TCG Ayvalık, and ESPS Tajo. MCM vessels from Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Romania, Spain and Turkey will take part in SNMCMG2 at different periods. (MARCOM) https://bit.ly/2NNdT7r

New air routes established over Kosovo with NATO support

11 Feb 2021. Civilian airlines can now use new south-west air routes in the lower airspace over Kosovo. This is an important achievement in the normalization of the lower airspace over Kosovo, which has been carried out with support through NATO’s Balkans Aviation Normalization process. It will help to significantly improve the civil air traffic routing to and from Pristina airport, with multiple benefits including faster travel, lower fuel consumption and reduced pollution. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3b9qARZ

NATO Focused Security Patrols in Western Mediterranean

8 Feb 2021. Spanish offshore patrol vessel Meteoro, supported by maritime patrol aircrafts from Portugal and Spain, has deployed to the Western Mediterranean as part of NATO’s maritime security operation, Operation Sea Guardian (OSG). The first OSG Focused Operation for 2021 focuses on the Alboran Sea, with a planned port visit to Tangiers, Morocco. Turkish and Spanish special operations forces support in stand-by under the OSG Special Operations Command and Control Element (SOCCE). Due to COVID measures, all in-person interactions have been scaled down to protect the crew and the mission. (MARCOM) https://bit.ly/3rUly2i

NATO jets intercept Russian bombers over North Atlantic, Black Sea

11 Feb 2021. On February 9, two Norwegian fighter aircraft were launched from Bodø Air Base to intercept two TU-160 Russian long-range bombers off the coast of Norway. In a separate event, NATO fighter aircraft from Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey on February 10, responded to several Russian military aircraft flying near NATO territory above the Black Sea. NATO’s Southern Combined Air Operations Centre at Torrejón alerted fighter aircraft at air bases Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania, Graf Ignatievo, Bulgaria, and Merzifon Air Base, Turkey, to respond to a group of Russian military aircraft operating over international airspace above the Black Sea. (AIRCOM) https://bit.ly/3u0zLN2

Statement by the President of the NATO PA on the sentencing of Alexei Navalny

03 Feb 2021. “The sentencing of Alexei Navalny by a Moscow court yesterday is yet another shameful act in this travesty of justice and in the Kremlin’s playbook of ruthless repression against its opponents.

Having failed to assassinate Navalny using a banned military-grade nerve agent, Putin’s regime is now sending him in exile in a penal colony. The cowardice and cynicism which these actions demonstrate are simply outrageous. The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) found in 2014 that this legal case brought against Mr. Navalny was “unlawful and arbitrary.” We must denounce in the strongest terms this politically-motivated persecution, as well as the mass arrests and disproportionate use of force against peaceful protesters. (NATO PA) https://bit.ly/2YVgi20

NATO implements Counter-Terrorism Reference Curriculum in Ukraine

05 Feb 2021. NATO’s Defence Education Enhancement Programme (DEEP) eAcademy recently offered students of the National Defence University of Ukraine a pioneering two-week programme focused on international security. The online course was shaped by NATO’s Counter-Terrorism Reference Curriculum (CTRC), which provides an overview of terrorist ideologies, motivations and methods, as well as contemporary counter-terrorism practices. The course helps participants develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand terrorism and counterterrorism in order to successfully anticipate and mitigate potential threats. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3aOjEJY

North Atlantic Council Statement on the Extension of the New START Treaty

03 Feb 2021. NATO welcomes and fully supports the agreement between the United States and the Russian Federation to extend the New START Treaty for five years. NATO Allies believe the New START Treaty contributes to international stability, and Allies again express their strong support for its continued implementation and for early and active dialogue on ways to improve strategic stability.

Allies remain collectively determined to uphold existing disarmament, arms control, and non-proliferation agreements and commitments. Allies support further arms control negotiations, with the aim of improving the security of the Alliance, taking into account the prevailing international security environment. Allies see the treaty’s extension as the beginning, not the end, of an effort to address nuclear threats and new and emerging challenges to strategic stability.

Even as the United States engages Russia in ways that advance our collective interests, NATO remains clear-eyed about the challenges Russia poses. We will work in close consultation to address Russia’s aggressive actions, which constitute a threat to Euro-Atlantic security. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/39YfhwI

NATO’s First Policy Hackathon rewards Freie Universität Berlin

04 Feb 2021. NATO concluded its first policy hackathon. An expert jury as well as the live audience voted for the team from Freie Universität Berlin as the winner for their pitch on “Innovating innovation: next steps in Allied technology cooperation”. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3tLtwwG

NATO Allied ships, aircraft patrol the Black Sea

28 Jan 2021. United States Navy destroyer USS Porter entered the Black Sea on Thursday (28 January 2021) to conduct routine maritime security operations and to train with Allies and partners in the region. Porter is the third US navy ship to enter the Black Sea in recent days, joining guided missile destroyer USS Donald Cook and replenishment oiler USNS Laramie.

The US Navy and other NATO navies routinely operate in the Black Sea, consistent with international law, usually patrolling the waters for around two-thirds of the year. In addition, the Spanish Air Force has deployed six fighter aircraft to Romania for NATO air policing duties. During the two-month deployment, the Spanish aircraft are stationed at Kogalniceanu airbase on Romania’s Black Sea coast. The aircraft will fly patrols alongside the Romanian Air Force. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3pNvREE

NATO Chiefs of Defence future proof the Alliance’s Military might

28 Jan 2021. The thirty Allied Chiefs of Defence held their first Military Committee meeting of 2021 in a hybrid virtual/in person format. The meeting allowed the Military Committee to align military work priorities and discuss all current operations, missions and activities with contributing NATO partners. The Military Committee’s advice and guidance will play a vital part of the North Atlantic Council’s decision-making ahead of next month’s Defence Ministers meeting. The Chiefs of Defence, accompanied by the Chairman of the European Union Military Committee, General Claudio Graziano, welcomed the interoperability amongst Allies and Partners and praised troops support to the civilian response to the coronavirus pandemic. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3r65YjQ

Commemoration of Holocaust victims at NATO Headquarters

27 Jan 2021. The Deputy Secretary General spoke at a ceremony hosted by the Italian and Polish delegations to NATO in partnership with the World Jewish Congress. Two art exhibitions were unveiled: an art-installation “Dandelions” by Carla Chiusano, and a selection of art (mostly paintings and drawings) of former Auschwitz prisoners (“The experience of Auschwitz in the art of prisoners”), lent by the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum in Poland. The flags of all 30 NATO Allies were at half-mast. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3j5GKPD

NATO briefs on forward presence at OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation

27 Jan 2021. At a virtual meeting of the OSCE’s Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) on Wednesday (27 January 2021), senior officials from NATO Headquarters and Allied governments briefed on the history, evolution and future of NATO’s forward presence in the eastern and south-eastern part of the Alliance. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3tlpfQr

Italy continues its contribution to Afghanistan’s lasting security, through the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission

26 Jan 2021. Italian Army Brigadier General Alberto Vezzoli, Commander of the “Julia” Brigade and Multinational Land Force, officially handed over the command of Train, Advise, Assist Command-West (TAAC-W) at Camp Arena to Italian Army Brigadier General Beniamino Vergori, Commander of the “Folgore” Brigade. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3r9bhyS

Gamification of Cyber Defence/Resilience

19 Jan 2021. Since June 2017, co-led by Turkey and Netherlands, with participation by experts from Canady, France, Germany, United Kingdom, United States and COE - Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDC), the team worked on producing a guide for cyber security serious game acquisition and utilization for smart buyers, serious game developers and training experts. In the last months they worked closely with the producers of NATO Science and scientists at Atılım University in Turkey that resulted in a video capturing setting-up of simulations – from board games to future games in virtual reality – that hit the perfect pitch of learning and creativity. (NATO STO) https://bit.ly/3pjoZ1K

Portugal hands over command of SNMG1 to Canada

19 Jan 2021. Portugal handed over the command of Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) to Canada in a small ceremony held in Lisbon, Portugal on board HMCS Halifax, the new flagship of the NATO Force. (MARCOM) https://bit.ly/39WzDFm

Strengthening relations with Colombia

22 Jan 2021. Colombian Vice Foreign Minister for Multilateral Affairs Adriana Mejía, Vice Defence Minister for Strategy and Planning Jairo García, and NATO representatives decided to extend their bilateral cooperation.

Colombia, a partner since 2017, and NATO have been developing common approaches to security challenges in areas such as intelligence-sharing, cyber defence, maritime security, the fight against corruption, and terrorism and its links to transnational organised crime; they have also cooperated to reinforce the capabilities of the Colombian armed forces through education and training. New areas of cooperation could potentially include resilience, interoperability and defence capability planning.

Colombia, NATO’s only partner in Latin America, contributes to international security in many ways. It took part, for instance in NATO’s Operation Ocean Shield in 2015 and contributes to UN-led operations in other parts of the world as far-flung as the Western Sahara and Lebanon. NATO and Colombia have been engaged in dialogue and cooperation since 2013; the relationship became an official partnership in May 2017 when Colombia signed an Individual Partnership and Cooperation Programme with the Alliance. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/2Y8RKCm

NATO Secretary General discusses security issues with Turkish Foreign Minister

22 Jan 2021. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu at NATO Headquarters. They discussed a range of issues, including the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, Afghanistan and Libya. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/39Xf9MG

Cyber Incident Response Capability established in the Republic of Moldova with NATO support

21 Jan 2021. NATO inaugurated a new Cyber Incident Response Capability for the Moldovan Armed Forces. This capability was established with support from the NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme and in cooperation with the NATO Information and Communication Agency (NCIA) through a multi-year project. It will help to minimize any threat resulting from cyber incidents, provide quick and efficient recovery and prevent similar incidents in the future. The inauguration was marked through a virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3oaR3mr

NATO helps to strengthen Mongolia’s cyber defence capacity

18 Jan 2021. NATO marked the successful conclusion of a multi-year project designed to bolster the cyber defence capacity of Mongolia, one of NATO’s partners across the globe. The project ran between 2017 and 2020 and was supported by NATO’s Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme. It entailed the establishment of a Cyber Security Centre for the Mongolian Armed Forces and the provision of specialized training and equipment. It also featured technical support from the NATO Communications and Information Agency. (NATO Hq) https://bit.ly/3qNEC1G

SimPL Simulation of Low Photon Lidar

15 Jan 2021. Low photon lidar is a generic term that encompasses all lidar technologies which operate with very limited photon fluxes, such as Single photon lidar (SPL) and Geiger-mode lidar (GML). SPL and GML are innovative technologies that dramatically increase the point density on a target through detection and processing of low photon numbers at the receiver. This allows a significant increase in sensing efficiency, which in turn reduces payload requirements for unmanned platforms and costs. Very limited efforts have been put in place to simulate the system response of SPLs or GMLs in various environments. Therefore, the SET Panel has established a Research Task Group on Simulation of Low Photon Lidar in order to fill this technical gap through community efforts amongst NATO member and partner Nations. The primary objective is the joint review of existing low photon lidar and active imaging system simulations, to evaluate their utility, to identify their capability gaps, and to aid their advanced development. In addition, the RTG will conduct an analysis of trade-off in system design for low photon lidar for different operational requirements, including a comparison of physical models to experimental performance. The member Nations will use the results of the RTG to improve low photon lidar simulation tools for the purpose of system trade-off study. This work will lead to a better understanding of the benefit of low photon lidar systems for military applications. (NATO STO) https://bit.ly/3oVcnxs

NATO Agency awards contract to replace military messaging service

15 Jan 2021. The NATO Communications and Information (NCI) Agency has awarded a contract to Thales Norway AS, valued at 60.7 million Norwegian Krone (5.7 million EUR) to replace NATO's current military messaging capability. The project includes a software application, message processing, management features and gateway services. Together, those tools and services will enable staff officers to exchange formal messages within NATO and with NATO Nations as part of NATO's formal Consultation, Command and Control (C3) activities. A pilot of the new system will be implemented in the maritime community based in Northwood, United Kingdom, in December 2021, with other NATO locations to follow in subsequent phases of the project. (NCIA) https://bit.ly/2XV5pg1

Coronavirus response: NSPA continues to support Italy

07 Jan 2021. The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) continues to play an important role in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, by assisting NATO Allies and partners with key relief acquisition and transport. Last December, two ambulances were delivered to the Italian Armed Forces , enhancing the country's response to medical emergencies. During 2021, NSPA will deliver six fully equipped hospitals to the Italian Army, increasing the current hospital infrastructure and enabling a stronger response capacity. The first hospital will be delivered at the end of January 2021). The structure is based on interconnected containerized shelters and tents, divided into a triage area, first aid, X ray and ultrasound laboratories, a surgical preparatory room, operation and hospitalisation areas, a pharmacy, and other required medical functions. (NSPA) https://bit.ly/3qbIv0j

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