Thales-Leonardo Wins NATO Special Operations Deployable Communications Contract
NATO has selected the Thales-Leonardo consortium to deliver a next-generation secure deployable communication and information system for the Allied Special Operations Forces Command (SOFCOM).
The contract covers the delivery of and training for six deployable headquarters capabilities for SOFCOM, known as Deployable Points of Presence for Special Operations Component Commands (DPOP SOCC).
Designed to be rapidly deployable and scalable, the DPOPs will allow NATO to tailor communications support to missions ranging from small forward elements to deployed headquarters.
Built on secure, classified, and resilient networks, the DPOPs will provide IT infrastructure, resilient communications, high-performance computing, and secure multi-domain mission data exchange for special operations forces.
Video-Sharing Capability
They will also become the first NATO capability to enable real-time sharing of full-motion video across deployed forces, improving situational awareness and operational effectiveness.
Under the contract, Thales and Leonardo will provide lifecycle support, upgrades, training, and maintenance. The consortium will also draw on industrial capabilities across the alliance, including key technologies from the UK and Germany.
“Thales brings end-to-end expertise in secure information and communication systems, deep knowledge of NATO’s reference architecture, and a long track record of delivering projects to the Alliance,” Vice President of Networks and Infrastructure Systems at Thales Alexandre Bottero said.
Senior Vice President of Air and Land Systems Land and Sea Business at Leonardo Electronics Antonio Levato added: “This partnership among two major players of the European defence industry allows to combine Leonardo’s field proven deployable solutions with Thales experience in NATO’s secure communications programs.”
