NATO exhibition highlights radio frequency spectrum
On 11 and 12 November, NATO’s Consultation, Command and Control Board (NC3B) held an exhibition to underscore the importance of radio spectrum as vital part of military capabilities.
The exhibition aimed to demonstrate that the radio frequency spectrum is a scarce natural resource in an increasingly competitive environment, for both military and civilian use.
In his opening speech, Peter Flory, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Defence Investments, said, “Radio Spectrum is pervasive and mission-critical to all Alliance and coalition forces to achieve and maintain information superiority, making it an integral part of command and control capabilities. Specifically, the effectiveness of our armies, navies and air forces depends on sufficient spectrum access for our technical infrastructure.”
Mr Flory also explained that, “the transformation of military capabilities; emerging countries modernizing; proliferation and exploitation of wireless technologies for personal use; and the commercial benefits foreseen by industry make for an extremely competitive environment for spectrum access and use by all users, commercial and government.”
Industry representatives from ten NATO and Partner countries, the NATO Consultation, Command & Control Agency (NC3A); and NATO Headquarters staff from the Spectrum Management Branch demonstrated how emerging technologies allow for a more efficient use and management of the spectrum through new approaches, better planning tools and monitoring equipment.
Taking place alongside the NC3B annual meeting, the display also raised awareness of developing capabilities and technologies among the Board delegates and their staff.
The NC3 Board is a senior multinational body acting on behalf of and responsible to the North Atlantic Council and Defence Planning Committee on all matters relating to Consultation, Command and Control (C3) throughout the Organization.