More than half of active satellites orbiting the Earth belong to NATO members or companies based on their territory. Space underpins NATO's ability to navigate and track forces, to have robust communications, to detect missile launches and to ensure effective command and control. Space is essential to the Alliance's deterrence and defence. The role of space in a changing security environment In February 2023, NATO announced plans to establish the Alliance Persistent Surveillance from Space (APSS) initiative to enhance space-based surveillance and intelligence for the Alliance, which will improve situational awareness and decision-making.The 2022 Strategic Concept – the Alliance’s guiding document and blueprint for adaptation – underlines the vital role of space for NATO’s deterrence and defence posture.
At the 2021 Brussels Summit, NATO recognised that attacks to, from or within space present a clear challenge to the security of the Alliance and could lead to the invocation of Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty.In October 2020, Defence Ministers decided to establish a NATO Space Centre at Allied Air Command in Ramstein, Germany.NATO's approach to space will remain fully in line with international law.NATO Allies have condemned Russia’s reckless and irresponsible anti-satellite missile test of 15 November 2021. Some countries, including Russia and China, have developed and tested a wide range of counter-space technologies. Space is becoming more crowded and competitive, and satellites are vulnerable to interference.NATO remains a key forum for Allies to share information and coordinate activities on various space-related issues.In 2019, Allies adopted a new Space Policy and declared space an operational domain.The information gathered and delivered through satellites is critical for NATO activities, operations and missions, including collective defence, crisis response and counter-terrorism. Through the use of satellites, Allies and NATO can respond to crises with greater speed, effectiveness and precision.Space capabilities bring benefits in multiple areas - from weather monitoring, environment and agriculture, to transport, science, communications and banking.
0 kommentar(er)
