Google Cloud and the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) have announced a multi-million dollar strategic agreement under which Google Cloud will provide the Alliance with "highly secure, sovereign cloud services" powered by artificial intelligence (AI). The deal marks a key milestone in NATO’s efforts to modernize its digital infrastructure, data management and protection of sensitive information.
NCIA has selected the Google Distributed Cloud (GDC) platform to be deployed for the Joint Analysis, Training and Education Center (JATEC). This infrastructure will be used to handle classified workloads, staff training and simulations related to the Alliance's operational capabilities.
Google specifies that the cloud environment dedicated to NATO will not be connected to either the internet or public clouds, ensuring that "the most sensitive data remains under full NATO control".
"NCIA is committed to using next-generation technologies, including artificial intelligence, to improve NATO's operational capabilities and protect the Alliance's digital environment," said Antonio Calderon, Chief Technology Officer of NCIA.
Tara Brady, President of Google Cloud for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, added:
"Google Cloud is dedicated to supporting NATO's critical mission of building a resilient digital infrastructure and deploying the latest technological innovations. This partnership will accelerate the Alliance's digital modernization while ensuring the highest levels of security and digital sovereignty."
According to NCIA, the integration of GDC will allow for significantly improved analytical capabilities, higher operational efficiency, the creation of new AI-based tools, and the ability to process classified data in an isolated and highly protected environment.
The integration of Google Distributed Cloud into NATO systems will be implemented in stages over the coming months.