Press Release (96)101 28 June 1996

The NATO C3 Agency Consultation, Command and Control (C3) are recognised as essential functions for executing NATO's political and military missions. On 1st July 1996, the NATO C3 Agency comes into being as part of NATO's strategy to streamline political and military structures and procedures. Formation of the NATO C3 Agency has been achieved through the amalgamation and rationalisation of the former NATO Communications and Information Systems Agency (NACISA) and the SHAPE Technical Centre (STC). This action brings together the planning, research and development and acquisition functions of NATO's Communication and Information Systems, thereby enhancing NATO's capability to better carry out the new missions of crisis management, whilst preserving the capability for collective defence. The NATO C3 Agency will employ about 450 people, located partly at the former STC premises in The Hague and partly in Brussels. The General Manager of the NATO C3 Agency is Mr. Loren Diedrichsen, the former Director of the STC. Further information can be obtained from Mr. Gabriel Ferenczy, C3 Director, NATO HQ, Brussels (int'l + 32-2) 707.43.58.