NATO to Spend Billions of Euros on Satellite and Computer Technology Development

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) announced that it plans to spend three billion euros over the next three years to upgrade its satellites and computer technologies. According to a senior official from NATO's Communications and Information Agency, 1.7 billion euros will be allocated for the development of satellite communications to provide better communication coverage for NATO's ground, naval, and drone forces. It remains unclear whether NATO intends to launch a new satellite into space or upgrade existing American and member satellites. The NATO official stated that 800 million euros will also be allocated for the enhancement and development of computer technologies related to air and missile defense. Part of the budget for this plan must be approved by NATO member states. The plan includes 71 million euros for improving cybersecurity at 32 NATO locations, with NATO reporting that cyberattacks against the organization have increased fivefold over the past three years. NATO officials have previously stated that state-sponsored Russian hackers are behind these cyberattacks. The organization will also spend 180 million euros to enhance the security of mobile communications for its soldiers. This plan is set to be discussed at the NATO meeting in April in Ottawa, Canada. Reuters reports that Airbus, Raytheon, and Lockheed Martin are likely to be NATO's contractors for the development of satellite and communication equipment.