The U.S. Space Command recently hosted Adm. Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chair of the NATO Military Committee, and other NATO representatives at its headquarters at Peterson Space Force Base to strengthen the alliance’s understanding of and enhance cooperation in space.
During their March 6 visit, the NATO delegates received briefings on the command’s mission and operational threats from USSPACECOM Commander Gen. Stephen Whiting and other senior leaders. They also visited North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, where they met with NORAD Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. Blaise Frawley.
The three-day meeting included tours of the Cheyenne Mountain Complex, the U.S. Air Force Academy, Fort Carson and the Catalyst Campus. At USAFA, the delegation observed cadets training in space-related labs, while service members provided static displays and demonstrations at Fort Carson.
On his X account, Dragone expressed gratitude for lessons gained at NORAD and USSPACECOM regarding their role in protecting North America. In a statement, Vice Adm. Scott Bishop, Canadian military representative to NATO, added that the visit provided valuable insights into multidomain operations and space-based effects, reinforcing the importance of collective security and the U.S.’ role as a committed NATO partner.
“It’s been a real eye-opening experience for all of us, and we’re going to go back to NATO headquarters in Brussels with a deeper understanding of the space domain and how to do multidomain operations,” Bishop said.
In October 2024, NATO also held a Commercial Space Forum in Brussels, bringing together industry stakeholders to discuss opportunities, vulnerabilities and threats in the space sector. Input from this forum will inform the development of NATO’s first Commercial Space Strategy, expected this year, which will include provisions to protect industry partners and accelerate the development of military space technologies for the alliance.