Proximus and Thales Secure NATO IT Contract to Modernize Infrastructure.

Proximus and Thales have won a contract to modernize NATO's IT infrastructure. Thales is a European leader in electronic equipment and systems for aerospace, defense, and security sectors. The contract will involve the implementation of new systems and infrastructure to support NATO's operations.

NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) has awarded a significant contract to a consortium formed by Thales, a global leader in high technology, and Proximus, Belgium’s leading telecommunications provider. This strategic partnership will operate and manage key infrastructure elements for NCIA’s business network, enhancing resilience, security, and operational efficiency across five NCIA locations [1].

The contract involves the implementation of new systems and infrastructure, supported by cloud-based technology. This modernisation aims to enhance capacity, improve compatibility, and upgrade systems to ensure optimal performance. The infrastructure will provide NCIA’s personnel with highly secure and efficient access to essential IT services, facilitating real-time communication, collaboration, and data management across multiple sites [1].

Thales and Proximus will deliver a fully managed service, including infrastructure as a service (IaaS) on a certified and accredited cloud, end-user devices as a service (DaaS) for personnel, robust cybersecurity solutions, advanced networking capabilities at NCIA sites for seamless connectivity, and comprehensive platform administration services. Additionally, the contract includes scalable cloud services for secure storage and high-performance computing [1].

Thales is providing a secure cloud infrastructure and a fully managed service, while Proximus is delivering a secure multi-domain laptop and upgrading the Wi-Fi networks at The Hague and Braine L’Alleud, as well as enabling a high-speed connection to their Cloud for 5,000 users at NCIA sites [1].

Alex Bottero, VP Network and Infrastructure Systems at Thales, commented, “Together with Proximus, Thales reaffirms its commitment to strengthening NATO’s digital resilience, ensuring secure, high-performance, and future-proof IT infrastructure to support the Alliance’s evolving needs. By outsourcing commodity services to trusted industry leaders, NCIA is taking a forward-looking approach that ensures a fully managed, secure, and scalable solution.” Anne-Sophie Lotgering, Enterprise Market Lead at Proximus, added, “This strategic project reflects our commitment to providing cutting-edge connectivity, mobility, and security solutions. We are proud that Proximus has been chosen for this large-scale project, which will enable NATO to strengthen its digital capabilities with a secure and scalable infrastructure. Thanks to our collaboration with Thales, we are confident that we will be able to meet NCIA's needs and support its essential missions.” [1].

The contract is subject to stringent performance metrics and service level agreements (SLAs), guaranteeing high availability, security, and operational stability for NCIA’s ecosystem [1].

References:
[1] https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/defence-and-security/press_release/thales-and-proximus-consortium-will-enhancenthe