NATO will have a new center in Toulouse
On Wednesday January 18, 2023, the signing of the so-called “operational” memorandum of understanding took place in Paris, which formalizes the creation of a new NATO center of excellence exclusively dedicated to space defense.
Toulouse: the largest space ecosystem in Europe
Located in Toulouse, at the heart of the largest space ecosystem in Europe, co-located with the Space Command (CDE) of the Air and Space Force (AAE), and the National Center for space studies (CNES), the COE has around fifty people, both military and civilian, and has become NATO’s 29th center of excellence. Its location demonstrates the recognition of French expertise in the field of space and France’s commitment as a framework nation in the Alliance.
Space military operations
The mission of the COE is to provide NATO and the nations of the Alliance with expertise and work force in the field of military space operations, through 4 pillars: conceptual development and experimentation, doctrine and standardization, education and training, analysis and feedback.
Full operational capacity in 2025
The NATO Center of Excellence is committed to strengthening European space skills. It will reach full operational capability in 2025.