United States, 7 March 2025 - The NATO Military Committee (MC) conducted a two-part visit to the United States 3-7 March, focusing on NATO's strategic, technological and space capabilities.
The first part of the visit, 3-5 March, was dedicated to engagements with NATO commands in the US, including Allied Command Transformation (ACT) and Allied Joint Force Command Norfolk (JFC Norfolk). The discussions in Norfolk centred on NATO's adaptation to evolving security challenges, capability development, and enhancing transatlantic cooperation.
The second part of the visit, 6-7 March, focused on the United States' space capabilities and their relationship to NATO's defence framework. The transition to this segment was marked by a visit to US Naval Fleet Forces Command (USFFC), where the MC received a briefing on integrating space operations into naval multi-domain operations. This visit set the stage for further engagements with US Space Command (USSPACECOM), North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD), the US Air Force Academy (USAFA), Fort Carson, Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station (CMSFS), and the Joint Commercial Operations Demonstration at Catalyst Campus. These engagements underscored the importance of integrating space into NATO's strategic planning and fostering collaboration between military and commercial space sectors.
In Detail:
Strengthening NATO's Technological and Strategic Edge
Visiting ACT, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chair of the NATO MC (CMC), stressed ACT's importance to maintaining NATO's decisive edge. "NATO must not only adapt but stay ahead-ensuring readiness, resilience, and deterrence across all domains. ACT is the driving force behind this effort, keeping NATO technologically advanced, agile, and cohesive. From capability development to innovation and interoperability, your work strengthens the Alliance today and prepares it for the challenges of tomorrow." The discussions focused on ACT's leadership in emerging technologies, experimentation, digital transformation, and the NATO Defence Planning Process Capability Targets.
Admiral Pierre Vandier, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, emphasised the urgent need for NATO to regain the initiative in an increasingly unpredictable security environment. Drawing attention to the shifting global landscape, he highlighted the necessity of adapting to modern challenges: "Today, we may have no safe haven. We feel threatened inside our own area of responsibility. We see an adversary who constantly adapts and develops new weapon systems in all domains." He stressed that NATO must respond by accelerating innovation, improving training realism, and developing capabilities faster than before and called on the MC to embrace a change of perspective and emphasised the shared responsibility among Allies: "It will take all of us to put NATO back in the driving seat." Underscoring the importance of the MC's role in bridging the gap between military and political levels, Admiral Vandier urged them to echo ACT's voice in their respective countries and within NATO headquarters.
The MC highlighted the rapid development of the Joint Analysis Training and Education Centre (JATEC), which reached initial operational capability within six months, demonstrating NATO's agility in capability development. CMC noted the significance of JATEC, calling it "a major step forward in improving operational effectiveness and mission preparedness."
Enhancing Security in the North Atlantic and Arctic
At JFC Norfolk, the MC examined the command's role in securing the North Atlantic and Arctic regions, particularly as JFC Norfolk expands its operational area to the Scandinavian Joint Operations Area, including the High North, while also retaining its existing responsibilities over the Atlantic Ocean. With the security dynamics shifting in these areas, JFC Norfolk's mission of maintaining transatlantic security and strategic maritime corridors remains vital. Admiral Doug Perry, Commander of JFC Norfolk, emphasised the command's growing role in securing critical regions.
Admiral Cavo Dragone praised JFC Norfolk's growing responsibilities, stating, "Your command, at the heart of transatlantic security, embodies the very essence of our cohesion and collective defence, keeping the vital link between North America and Europe strong and secure."
A subsequent visit to US Naval Fleet Forces Command included a briefing from Rear Admiral Cassidy Norman, Director of Maritime Operations at USFFC, on integrating space operations into naval multi-domain operations. The strong partnership between USFFC and JFC Norfolk remains essential for security in the North Atlantic, ensuring NATO and US forces maintain operational superiority in a rapidly evolving security environment. This visit also marked the transition into the space-focused portion of the trip.
Reinforcing NATO's Space Awareness and Capabilities
On 6 March, the MC travelled to Colorado Springs to meet with USSPACECOM leadership. The Commander, General Stephen N. Whiting, provided insights on NATO's efforts to integrate space capabilities into its command structure while leveraging Allied expertise. The visit reinforced the importance of space-based assets in modern defence and highlighted NATO's commitment to ensuring resilience and access to these critical capabilities.
Afterwards, the MC engaged with Lieutenant General Blaise Frawley, NORAD Deputy Commander, to discuss its aerospace warning and control functions. With the increasing proliferation of hypersonic weapons, advanced missile technologies, and hybrid threats, NATO and NORAD's continued collaboration will be essential for maintaining rapid detection, resilient defence, and effective deterrence.
Training Future Military Leaders and Demonstrating Multi-Domain Operations
At USAFA, the MC observed training programs that prepare future military leaders in space operations. Major General Thomas Sherman, Vice Superintendent, provided an overview of the academy's curriculum and training programs, which play a critical role in fostering NATO's next generation of leaders and enhancing transatlantic defence cooperation.
On 7 March, the delegation visited Fort Carson, where they observed a Multi-Domain Operations Demonstration conducted by the 4th Infantry Division and the 1st Space Brigade. The event, hosted by the respective Commanders, Major General David Doyle and Colonel Mark Cobos, showcased the agility, coordination, and technological superiority necessary for NATO to maintain operational advantage, and valuable insights gained from the demonstration will help shape NATO's approach to integrating Multi-Domain Operations principles across the Alliance.
The visit continued at CMSFS, where the MC observed real-time space operations and reviewed the role of the Missile Warning Center. The MC was hosted by Lieutenant General Blaise Frawley, NORAD Deputy Commander, and discussions focused on the fusion of space domain awareness and missile warning capabilities.
Finally, the MC attended a Joint Commercial Operations Demonstration at Catalyst Campus. Barb Golf, Senior Civilian in Charge of Joint Commercial Operations, provided insights on how NATO can leverage commercial ingenuity and international partnerships to develop unclassified, yet valuable, space domain awareness tools. The integration of cutting-edge commercial technologies into NATO operations enhances operational effectiveness, resilience, and strategic capabilities. By fostering closer partnerships with industry leaders, research institutions, and technology innovators, NATO ensures it remains agile and adaptive in the face of emerging threats.
Strengthening NATO's Commitment to Deterrence and Defence
This visit to NATO and US Commands was expertly orchestrated by Vice-Admiral Shoshana Chatfield, US Military Representative to NATO, and her team, and it demonstrated how the US trains, fights and wins in space and through multi-domain operations. It reinforced NATO's deep ties with North American Allies, underscoring the Alliance's commitment to strengthening deterrence and defence for a new era of collective defence.
