NATO signs a deal with Google Cloud to deploy sovereign, air-gapped infrastructure, strengthening data security, governance, and AI-driven operational capability.
Google Cloud announced today a significant, multi-million-dollar contract with the NATO Communication and Information Agency (NCIA) to deliver highly secure, sovereign cloud infrastructure. The deal marks a substantial step in bolstering NATO’s digital defenses and enabling the alliance to leverage cutting-edge artificial intelligence within highly sensitive environments securely.
NCIA has selected Google Distributed Cloud (GDC) to support the Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre (JATEC). JATEC will utilize this infrastructure to modernize its operational capabilities and process classified workloads, a critical element in the alliance’s defense strategy.
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The Air-Gapped Requirement
The core of the partnership relies on GDC air-gapped, a key component of Google’s Sovereign Cloud solutions. This technology allows Google’s powerful cloud services and AI capabilities to operate in completely disconnected, highly secure environments, ensuring uncompromised data residency and operational control.
This “air-gapped” security model is essential for meeting the strictest digital sovereignty requirements of military and intelligence operations. It ensures that NATO maintains the highest degree of security and autonomy over its data, regardless of the scale or complexity of the workload.
“This partnership will enable NATO to decisively accelerate its digital modernization efforts while maintaining the highest levels of security and digital sovereignty,” said Tara Brady, President of Google Cloud EMEA.
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Accelerating Digital Transformation
The integration is designed to provide JATEC with enhanced analytical capabilities, enabling operational efficiencies across NATO, its allies, and partners. The investment underscores the alliance’s shift toward leveraging next-generation technology to safeguard its digital domain.
Antonio Calderon, Chief Technology Officer for NCIA, emphasized the strategic importance of private-sector collaboration. “Partnership with industry is a critical component of our digital transformation strategy,” he said. “Through this collaboration, we will deliver a secure, resilient and scalable cloud environment for JATEC that meets the highest standards required to protect highly sensitive data.”
The integration of the secure solution is expected to take place in the coming months.
