Home  /   News  /  2025  /  EXERCISE STEADFAST COBALT 2025: ADVANCING CIS INTEROPERABILITY WITH ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

MONS, Belgium – Exercise STEADFAST COBALT 2025 (STCO25) is the largest NATO Communications and Information Systems (CIS) interoperability event, bringing together over 40 NATO Command and Force Structure entities as well as national units for an execution phase which commenced on 7 April and will run until 30 May 2025.  

The primary focus of the STEADFAST COBALT 2025 Exercise is to enhance CIS interoperability, ensuring a secure, robust and agile network that supports NATO’s readiness and operational effectiveness. The STCO25 also considers environmental responsibility in its planning and execution, aiming to be an environment friendly exercise.

NATO CIS Group (NCISG) has incorporated Environmental Protection (EP) policies into its exercises and deployments. While the primary objective remains the advancement of CIS capabilities, NCISG acknowledges the importance of environmental awareness and encourages best practices to minimize the ecological footprint of the exercise and impact where feasible, including responsible waste management, reduced carbon emissions from operations and the use of energy-efficient communication infrastructure. NATO and Nations have a collective responsibility to consider EP policy. However, each nation remains responsible for implementing EP measures in accordance with its own policies and commitments. 

STEADFAST COBALT 25 Exercise.

The execution of a large-scale exercise like STEADFAST COBALT 25 involves the deployment of personnel, vehicles and CIS equipment. While operational effectiveness is the main priority, NATO recognizes the need to be mindful of environmental factors. Key areas of focus include Energy Efficiency, Waste Management and Sensible Deployment Practices. 

The STCO25 Exercise remains focused on strengthening CIS capabilities while recognizing the importance of sustainable practices within operational constraints. 

Brigadier General Jarkko Karsikas, NCISG Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff stated: 

The STEADFAST COBALT 25 Exercise underscores NATO’s commitment to interoperability and operational readiness while being mindful of environmental considerations. By integrating EP policies where applicable, we ensure that technological advancements and responsible practices go hand in hand at NATO. This marks the first time in STCO history that EP measures have been integrated into our Exercise Plan (EXPLAN).

Brigadier General Jarkko A. Karsikas, NCISG Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff.

The success of the STEADFAST COBALT 25 Exercise underscores NATO’s dedication to enhancing defence capabilities while upholding environmental management. As NATO continues to adapt to emerging security challenges, the Alliance remains committed to integrating sustainable practices into its operational framework ensuring a secure and responsible future for all.