APSS is an essential space-based capability that supports NATO operations and improves intelligence sharing among Commands by accelerating the processes for receiving and analyzing data gathered from space-based sensors, operated by Nations and commercial providers.
This multinational complex programme is a joint effort between NCIA, Allied Command Operations (ACO), and NATO Headquarters. NCIA is responsible for the APSS overall programme management and will continue to lead the programmatic aspects of APSS after the MOU signature. The Agency is delivering nine related projects which bolster NATO and its Nations’ architecture and infrastructure for data acquisition, retrieval, processing and exploitation.
The Allies involved will contribute to and benefit from an improved intelligence capacity and situational awareness, which will accelerate informed decision-making for the Alliance. Participating Allies will also gain a better understanding about the tasking and sharing mechanisms of space assets. In 2023, Luxembourg pioneered APSS and provided the funding for the first phase of the programme.
“The APSS initiative may be regarded as a game changer for NATO’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. It will largely contribute to build NATO’s readiness and reduce its dependency on other intelligence and surveillance capabilities,” said NCIA General Manager, Ludwig Decamps. “APSS is a perfect example of a one-NATO initiative with cross-entity coordination and cooperation. Today’s signature represents an important milestone in the development of the APSS programme and the further establishment of space as a domain, bringing major benefits to the Alliance as a whole.”
Space is essential to NATO’s defence and deterrence as a new operational domain and key enabler of the operational activities in the other domains. It acts as a venue for a wide range of applications, including intelligence gathering, navigate and track forces, beyond line-of-sight communications and missile launch detection. As space becomes increasingly contested, NATO’s access to space capabilities and maintaining a competitive advantage in this domain becomes even more crucial.
APSS provides the Alliance technical and information advantage, thus reinforcing overall situational awareness and understanding of the operational environment. It also provides anticipation by efficiently feeding strategic and operational indicators and warnings with valuable data collected from space
NCIA has been delivering space-based products, data and services since the 1970s. Today, over 160 NCIA experts support space for the Alliance by ensuring NCIA continues leveraging cutting-edge technology, fostering space-based services into multi-domain operations and developing collaborative partnerships with industry. Additionally, NCIA operates seven satellite ground stations and one satellite centre to enable seamless and secure communication channels for command centres and deployed forces across the Alliance.
The 17 NATO Allies involved in the MoU signature are: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Türkiye, United States. As signatories of the APSS MoU, the Nations involved will provide national contributions over five years.
