NATO to Improve SATCOM Capabilities, Advances Next-Gen Multi-Role Rotorcraft Development

NATO has announced plans to enhance its satellite communications in the Arctic region and advance the development of a new generation multi-role rotorcraft during the Defence Minister's Meeting in Brussels on Thursday.

These initiatives aim to foster cooperation among NATO member countries and improve operational capabilities in light of increasing geopolitical tensions.

The Starlift initiative is designed to boost launch capabilities, facilitating the creation of a scalable network of space capabilities accessible to both government and commercial entities. Concurrently, the NorthLink project aims to establish connectivity between government and commercial communications satellites operating in the Arctic.

Satellite communications have proven critical, as evidenced by disruptions during the ongoing war in Ukraine. Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans emphasized the Arctic's evolving importance, stating, “The Arctic region has always lagged behind in the development of satellite communications, mainly because little communication traffic was needed. That will change with the increasing geopolitical importance of the North Pole. We expect much more activity in the Arctic region in the coming years. Then the NATO units must be able to communicate well with each other and the headquarters.”

In collaboration with several partner nations, the Netherlands will contribute to the development costs of the new generation rotorcraft over the coming years. Although specifics about the aircraft are yet to be determined, it is expected to complement current military helicopters.

Minister Brekelmans signed an agreement marking the transition to the next phase of the New Generation Rotorcraft Capability project, which involves multiple countries. “This project will still be in the drawing board phase for the next few years,” he noted. “It is expected to be a form of multi-role rotorcraft. Technological progress makes changes to the rotorcraft concept possible. Developing something new obviously costs money, and we and our partners jointly contribute to the costs.”