Counting on the Cloud? NATO, Digital Modernisation and Cloud Computing

By Daniel Fiott and Antonio Calcara

17/2025

NATO is enhancing its defence and deterrence in the face of grave geopolitical risks. While the major focus in 2025 is on ramping up the manufacturing of ammunition, missiles, tanks, armoured vehicles and more, there is a risk that the digital elements of the Alliance’s security and defence are marginalised or neglected. Indeed, the war on Ukraine highlights how traditional capabilities are being enhanced and complemented by disruptive technologies and innovation. This CSDS In-Depth Paper argues that “digital resilience” needs to be at the heart of defence modernisation efforts across the Euro-Atlantic. It is critical that allies have the ability to store, analyse, exploit and protect data and information. In this regard, the In-Depth Paper investigates how far, and in what manner, NATO is developing cloud computing technologies as part of its broader defence modernisation efforts. Based on the case of cloud computing, the In-Depth Paper aims to uncover the successes and challenges associated with developing cloud interoperability and standardisation across NATO.

Download

__________