Thales and Leonardo to deliver next-generation secure Deployable Communication and Information Systems to NATO Special Forces

The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) has selected the Thales and Leonardo consortium as its trusted provider for a next-generation secure deployable communication and information system dedicated to the Allied Special Operations Forces Command (SOFCOM).

This initiative marks the first project within a significant NATO program aimed at delivering advanced communication and information systems to SOFCOM, bolstering the Alliance’s resilience for contemporary warfare.

This pan-European technological and industrial partnership draws on the strengths of leading industry players, merging proven components with cutting-edge technologies to provide urgently needed, scalable capabilities.

The Thales–Leonardo Consortium contract encompasses the delivery and training for six deployable Head Quarters (HQs) for SOFCOM, known as Deployable Points of Presence for Special Operations Component Commands (DPOP SOCC). These DPOPs will offer tailored deployable communication and information systems (CIS) specifically crafted for NATO Special Operations Forces and will form a foundational element of a future comprehensive, secure information and communication system built on classified and resilient networks.

The system is engineered to provide dedicated, next-generation capabilities tailored to meet the stringent requirements of NATO Special Forces, including:

• Zero-day deployable IT infrastructures, resilient communications, and high-performance computing with minimized electromagnetic and physical footprints.
• A secure multi-domain environment for mission data exchange, incorporating field-proven solutions that ensure robustness, interoperability, and cybersecurity.
• The first-time inclusion of real-time Full Motion Video (FMV) sharing capabilities across various deployable systems, enhancing the operational effectiveness and situational awareness of Special Forces.

As system providers, Thales and Leonardo will deliver next-generation deployable CIS for NATO that can be operated and upgraded throughout their lifecycle, complemented by training and support to facilitate a seamless user transition under NCIA-led operations. In addition to this Franco-Italian collaboration, the consortium plans to utilize industrial assets across the Alliance, integrating 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. By combining this expertise with Leonardo’s capabilities, we are harnessing the best of European industry to create a modular, upgradable, and field-proven system, equipping NATO Special Forces with next-generation deployable CIS,” stated Alexandre Bottero, Vice President, Networks and Infrastructure Systems, Thales.

“Leonardo’s experience, established through delivering comprehensive Regimental and Divisional Command Post capabilities, enables the integration of modular NATO-ready systems based on fixed and expandable shelters. This design strength arises from close collaboration between industry and end-users, leading to Leonardo being selected as both the System Integrator and Design Authority for Italian command posts. This partnership between two leading players in the European defense sector merges Leonardo’s field-tested deployable solutions with Thales’s expertise in NATO’s secure communications programs,” said Antonio Levato, SVP Air and Land Systems, Land and Sea Business at Leonardo Electronics.

About Thales
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) stands as a global leader in advanced technologies spanning Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. With a focus on addressing key challenges related to sovereignty, security, sustainability, and inclusion, the group invests €4.5 billion annually in Research & Development within critical environments, particularly Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Quantum, and Cloud technologies. Thales operates with over 85,000 employees across 65 countries and reported sales of €22.1 billion in 2025.

About Leonardo
Leonardo is an international industrial group developing multi-domain technological capabilities for global security. As a vital participant in significant strategic programs in Aerospace, Defence, and Security, it employs over 62,000 individuals globally and operates in the Electronics, Helicopters, Aircraft, Cyber & Security, and Space sectors. Highlighting a strong industrial presence in Italy, the United Kingdom, Poland, and the United States, Leonardo engages in activities across 150 countries through subsidiaries, joint ventures, and investees. The company recorded new orders of €23.8 billion, an order backlog of €46.6 billion, and consolidated revenues of €19.5 billion in 2025. Leonardo is also included in the MIB ESG Index and has been a part of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) since 2010.

Source: Thales Group (2026-07-06 07:00:03)