NATO: Strengthens space monitoring of movements in Ukraine and on the border of Russia

NATO is enhancing its satellite surveillance capabilities to monitor military activities in Ukraine and along Russia’s borders with its eastern member countries, as stated by Admiral Pierre Vandier, the alliance’s commander for strategy and transformation.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Vandier noted that this new technology will allow NATO to cover expansive areas for the first time, enabling it to observe troop movements, maneuvers, and combat operations. “Currently, we cannot confirm whether the Russians will halt their actions in Ukraine,” he emphasized, highlighting the need to reassure nations in NATO’s eastern flank. “We can inform them: we are monitoring the situation,” he remarked.

Introduction of New Technology

NATO has announced its collaboration with the U.S. satellite imagery provider “Planet Labs” on a project named “Smart Wide Area Detection, Indication and Warning System” (SINBAD). This initiative aims to conduct regular, frequent scans of the Earth, utilizing artificial intelligence to detect changes and issue alerts.

A NATO spokesman, who requested anonymity, indicated that this technology may also be employed to oversee the Arctic, which has gained strategic significance for NATO due to advancing interests from Russia and China in that region.

NATO’s Future Plans

Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, NATO began developing a space surveillance system. According to the alliance’s spokesman, SINBAD serves as a pilot project ahead of the larger NATO space surveillance deployment scheduled for January 2026.

Space surveillance represents a critical area where NATO relies heavily on U.S. capabilities. Other alliance members are seeking to mitigate their dependence on the U.S. after former President Donald Trump‘s shift in focus from Europe to Asian threats.

Recently, NATO defense ministers approved one of the most ambitious initiatives to boost weapon stockpiles since the Cold War, as Europe and Canada intensify efforts to bolster their defense responsibilities.