Thales and Proximus Consortium Enhances NATO’s Communication Resilience

In a significant development for military communications, the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) has awarded a pivotal contract to a consortium comprising Thales, a global leader in advanced technologies, and Proximus, Belgium’s foremost telecommunications provider. This partnership aims to bolster the resilience, security, and operational efficiency of NATO's communications infrastructure across five key locations, ensuring that personnel have secure and efficient access to essential IT services.

This strategic initiative, announced on June 10, 2025, involves the implementation of cloud-based technology that will facilitate real-time communication, collaboration, and data management across multiple sites. "Together with Proximus, Thales reaffirms its commitment to strengthening NATO’s digital resilience, ensuring secure, high-performance, and future-proof IT infrastructure to support the Alliance’s evolving needs," stated Alex Bottero, Vice President of Network and Infrastructure Systems at Thales.

Under the contract, the consortium will deliver a fully managed service that includes Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) on a certified cloud, Devices as a Service (DaaS) for personnel, and robust cybersecurity measures. According to Anne-Sophie Lotgering, Enterprise Market Lead at Proximus, "This strategic project reflects our commitment to providing cutting-edge connectivity, mobility, and security solutions. We are proud that Proximus has been chosen for this large-scale project, which will enable NATO to strengthen its digital capabilities with a secure and scalable infrastructure."

The modernized infrastructure is expected to enhance capacity, improve compatibility, and upgrade systems for optimal performance. Proximus will upgrade the Wi-Fi networks at The Hague and Braine L’Alleud while providing high-speed connections to accommodate 5,000 users at NCIA sites.

The partnership comes at a time when NATO is increasingly dependent on digital solutions to maintain operational effectiveness. This initiative is projected to guarantee high availability, security, and operational stability, with stringent performance metrics and service level agreements (SLAs) ensuring that the network meets NATO’s rigorous demands.

Historically, NATO has faced challenges in maintaining a unified communications infrastructure across its member states. With the growing complexity of cyber threats and the need for seamless interoperability among allied forces, this contract represents a proactive approach to fortifying NATO’s communications framework. Thales, which invests over €4 billion annually in research and development, is well-positioned to address these challenges, leveraging its expertise in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies.

The collaboration between Thales and Proximus is also indicative of a broader trend in defense partnerships, where outsourcing to specialized firms can enhance operational efficiency and security. As global geopolitical tensions rise, ensuring a robust and secure communication infrastructure is paramount for NATO’s strategic objectives.

Looking ahead, this partnership is expected to set a precedent for future collaborations between military organizations and private sector technology providers, potentially reshaping how defense networks operate in an increasingly digital world. As NATO adapts to new technological landscapes, the success of this initiative will likely influence similar projects across allied nations, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of military communication capabilities in the face of evolving threats.