Romania joined the Allied Persistent Surveillance from Space Initiative

During the NATO Summit in Washington DC, Minister of National Defence, Angel Tîlvãr, signed on Tuesday, July 9th, together with his counterparts from 16 other allied countries, the Memorandum of Understanding on the "Allied Persistent Surveillance from Space" (APSS) Program.

In the current security context, characterized by various and interconnected challenges, space technologies are essential for the achievement of defence objectives. The APSS program will provide the necessary framework for future developments in the space domain for the benefit of Allies and the Alliance, providing a joint perspective on this new operational domain and an appropriate response to new threats.

The Memorandum of Understanding for the APSS Program aims to establish the necessary framework for the management and implementation of the program, in order to meet NATO’s requirements and needs.

"This initiative points out Romania's commitment to modernizing and consolidating our national and collective capabilities. By joining the APSS program, we will ensure continuous and effective surveillance from space, vital for rapid responses to the new security threats. Romania is interested in participating in such projects, which promote innovation and ensure access to cutting-edge technologies", Minister Tîlvãr stated.

The APSS program aims at improving and accelerating operational situational awareness as well as supporting the decision-making process within NATO by increasing access to space data, services and capabilities.

Officially launched in 2023, the "Alliance Persistent Surveillance from Space" (APSS) initiative is intended to strengthen NATO's capabilities in collecting and managing space data in an efficient and coordinated manner.

This innovative initiative aims to change the way NATO collects, processes and disseminates information by integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, maintaining the technological advancement and improving the speed and efficiency of the decision-making process.

More details about the APSS Program can be found on the NATO website, at: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_227472.htm?selectedLocale=en

The Press Office