The relevance of space in a changing security environment changing security environment and the NATO approach

Abstract

The increasingly competitive nature of outer space has brought revolutionary opportunities as well as new vulnerabilities for the defence capabilities of NATO member states. During the last decade and particularly since the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine, the Atlantic Alliance has progressively relied on space for multiple military and national security operations conducted on Earth, including communications, space observation systems and intelligence, which have enabled the collection of a wide range of information to ensure an immediate and effective response to crisis situations. In light of NATO's recognition of space as a new operational domain and the subsequent adoption of a space policy in 2019, this article examines the strategic implications of space support for NATO's operations on Earth and on battlefields. In particular, specific attention is paid to satellite communications and the development of counterspace technologies by the Russian Federation and China, which could potentially acquire a deterrence function to the detriment of the Alliance.