NATO launches the “largest space project in its history”

On 15 February 2023, sixteen NATO member states, together with Finland and Sweden, launched the APSS project, for “Alliance Persistent Surveillance from Space”. The aim? “To significantly improve the Alliance’s intelligence and surveillance capabilities and provide essential support to NATO military missions and operations”.

The Atlantic Alliance thus intends to draw on the latest available technologies to build a “virtual constellation” made up of public and private space assets such as satellites. According to NATO’s press release, this constellation should make it possible to “streamline the collection, sharing and analysis of data between Allies and with the NATO Command Structure, while making savings”. 

“This project is also a very good example of civil-military cooperation and a tremendous asset for our intelligence toolbox”, said NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană.

Luxembourg is the first country to invest in the project, to the tune of 16.5 million euros. The other participants will be able to contribute to Aquila with their own resources: “data and/or funds”.

APSS, which is fully in line with NATO’s overarching space policy adopted in 2019, aims in particular to improve navigation, telecommunications and the detection of missile launches.

You can also subscribe to our magazine and receive our latest issue, whose feature is devoted to Special Operations Command, access exclusive content and take advantage of equipment and gear offers from our partners. Head to the Premium section.

 This text comes from a press release that our editorial team found interesting. If you are a company in the defence and security sector, feel free to send us yours at this address: contact@defense-zone.com