NCISG in close cooperation with NCIA has entered the last, exciting phase of Exercise STEADFAST COBALT 2024 (STCO24). The exercise officially began on April 2, 2024 with active participation of 11 NATO Command Structure (NCS) units and 12 NATO Force Structure (NFS) units. The final third sub-phase of the STEADFAST COBALT 2024 exercise has started on 3 June 2024 and was being executed till 14 June 2024 at the NCIA Enterprise Service Operations Center (ESOC) and the Spanish Joint Force Air Command (ESP-JFAC) promising to enhance interoperability among NATO Allies and increase their readiness.
NCISG and NCIA members setting up communication equipment, ESOC, Mons, Belgium, 3 June 2024.
This phase of STCO24 Exercise focuses on improving communication networks between NCISG, NCIA and ESP-JFAC. The exercise includes advances scenarios to test secure data transfer and real-time coordination during missions. NATO military and civilian staff members are working together on laptops and communication devices.
NCISG and NCIA members setting up communication equipment, ESOC, Mons, Belgium, 3 June 2024.
ESP-JFAC members setting up communication equipment, ESP JFAC, Madrid, Spain, 3 June 2024.
Third sub-phase of STCO24 Exercise integrates state-of-the-art technologies such as satellite communications, cyber defense mechanisms and encrypted messaging systems ensuring secure and efficient information flow. NCISG, NCIA and ESP-JFAC and other test partner units/headquarters teams participate in joint training sessions, simulating various operational scenarios. This hands-on experience is crucial for identifying and addressing potential communication challenges.
EXCON members setting up communication equipment, ESP JFAC, Madrid, Spain, 3 June 2024.
Leaders from NCISG and NCIA emphasize the importance of this phase in maintaining strategic advantages.
NCISG and NCIA group leaders discussing the progress of the STCO24 Exercise in the ESOC, Mons, Belgium, 3 June 2024.
The outcomes of STCO24 Exercise third sub-phase will effectively strengthen the new Mission Network using the latest network configuration standards for the Alliance and will significantly contribute to NATO's collective defense capabilities.
The STCO24 Exercise is a step forward in ensuring that NCISG can communicate seamlessly and as a consequence NATO can respond rapidly to any threat.
Group photo of ESP-JFAC and NCI Agency members symbolizing unity and readiness at Torrejon Airbase, Madrid, Spain, 3 June 2024.