The consortium formed by Proximus and Thales has been selected by the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) to manage and operate its core network. This project will run until the end of 2029. It aims to provide a modern, integrated tech ecosystem to “revolutionize” the operations and collaboration of NCIA users, according to a statement by Proximus. NATO secure cloud infrastructure

This major project is designed to strengthen digital capabilities through a secure and scalable infrastructure, which the consortium will operate on a ‘contractor-owned, contractor-operated’ model. Proximus and Thales will contribute their expertise in network technologies, secure mobility solutions, and secure multi-domain cloud infrastructures.

The infrastructure will use cloud-based technology to 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”, Proximus states. Further, the modernisation is intended to extend capabilities, improve compatibility, and upgrade systems to ensure optimal performance.

Thales and Proximus will provide a 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, ensuring a highly secure digital environment
• Advanced networking capabilities for resilient connectivity
• Comprehensive platform administration services
• Scalable cloud services for secure storage and high-performance computing

In addition, the two are to deploy a secure mobility solution, supplying more than 5,000 laptops in Device as a Service (DaaS) mode. The devices will be equipped with multi-domain security technology, enabling users to access different levels of security classification from a single device.

“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.”

said Alex Bottero, VP Network and Infrastructure Systems, Thales.

An integrated, strategic step

This strategic contract should be a major step towards technological modernisation to support NCIA’s critical missions, in particular by integrating solutions in connectivity, mobility, and security. Proximus and Thales say they are “positioning themselves as key players in the digital transformation of defense, offering resilient, secure connectivity and infrastructure tailored to NATO’s critical needs”.

“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.”

adds Anne-Sophie Lotgering, Enterprise Market Lead at Proximus. naTO secure cloud infrastructure

About Proximus Group

Proximus Group is a provider of future-proof connectivity, IT, and digital services, headquartered in Brussels. The Group is actively engaged in building a connected world that people trust, so society blooms.

The domestic segment is focused on providing state-of-the-art telecommunications and IT services in the Benelux. In Belgium, core products and services are offered under the Proximus, Mobile Vikings, and Scarlet brands for the residential market and Proximus NXT for the Enterprise market. The group is also active in the Netherlands (Proximus NXT) and in Luxembourg (Tango and Proximus NXT).

Proximus Global overarches the international activities of the group, gathering the strengths of BICS, Telesign, and Route Mobile. Encompassing the entire value chain from P2P Voice & Messaging and Mobility services to CPaaS and Digital Identity, Proximus Global is in a unique position to become a global digital communications leader.

The Group has the ambition to build the #1 gigabit network for Belgium and plays a central role in creating inspiring digital ecosystems, while fostering an engaging culture and empowering ways of working. Building upon these strengths, Proximus aims to contribute to an inclusive and sustainable digital society, delight customers with an unrivalled experience and achieve profitable growth both locally and internationally to deliver long-term value for stakeholders.

With 13,131 employees, imbued with Proximus’ Think Possible mindset and all engaged to offer a superior customer experience, the group realized an underlying group revenue of EUR 6,430 million by the end of 2024.

About Thales

Thales is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability, and inclusion.

The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in research & development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and quantum and cloud technologies.

Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the group generated sales of €20.6 billion.