At the NATO Summit in The Hague, the alliance officially released its new Commercial Space Strategy, aiming to boost investment in the private space sector while enhancing member states’ military capabilities through innovation.
Approved earlier in February, the strategy encourages NATO’s 32 member countries to increase cooperation with commercial space companies, especially in dual-use technologies such as launch services, logistics, and satellite infrastructure protection. These areas, while not always counted under traditional defense spending, are increasingly vital to modern military operations.
Inspired heavily by the U.S. Space Force’s 2024 Commercial Space Strategy, NATO’s plan introduces practical tools to streamline collaboration — including a “NATO Front Door” to simplify vendor access and a Space Force-style Commercial Integration Cell to manage partnerships. It also promotes flexible contracting models to better engage small- and medium-sized enterprises.
A major component is mapping allied space capabilities and identifying where commercial solutions can fill gaps, particularly in space situational awareness, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. This follows ongoing NATO efforts to coordinate national contributions in space operations, a focus since space was officially designated an operational domain in 2019.
The strategy encourages multilateral cooperation and aims to align efforts with other international organizations like the European Union, avoiding duplication while improving efficiency.
To support implementation, NATO plans organizational reforms, including the creation of a standards body to boost interoperability among allied space systems. This will operate under the Conference of National Armaments Directors, ensuring technical unity without stifling innovation.
A more detailed action plan is expected to be signed by NATO defense ministers in October 2025, setting the stage for long-term integration of commercial space capabilities into the alliance’s defense strategy.
