Google Cloud and NATO sign a multi-million contract. NATO will use air-gapped cloud environments for running AI applications.
NATO concludes a multi-million contract with Google Cloud to set up a secure, sovereign cloud infrastructure. The collaboration supports the alliance’s digital modernization and provides more control over sensitive data and AI applications.
Isolated Cloud Environment
The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) has chosen Google Distributed Cloud to support the Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre (JATEC). Within this center, an isolated cloud environment will be used to securely manage confidential workloads and AI applications.
It involves an air-gapped infrastructure, where physical and digital isolation ensures maximum protection of data. This is sufficient for Google to use the ‘sovereign’ label.
Google Distributed Cloud enables advanced AI models and data analysis to be performed locally, without connection to public networks. According to NATO, this contributes to operational control and compliance with the strictest requirements for digital sovereignty. The choice for this technology fits within NATO’s broader strategy to modernize its infrastructure and develop new digital capabilities.
Strengthening Military IT Capabilities
The collaboration with Google Cloud is part of a broader digital transformation that NATO is implementing. The alliance aims to better respond to new threats and support data-driven decisions. Through JATEC, training and analysis will be conducted in a secure cloud environment that is resistant to cyber threats and keeps sensitive information within NATO boundaries.
According to NCIA, collaboration with industry is essential to achieve these objectives. The contract with Google Cloud fits into this approach, where technology from commercial players is used to strengthen military IT capabilities.
Financial details of the contract have not been disclosed, but it is a multi-million agreement. Google does not get exclusivity, as NATO recently also signed a contract with Oracle.