Feb 2 2021

Top NATO, US Commanders agree on critical role of Space

RAMSTEIN, Germany – General John "Jay" Raymond, Chief of Space Operations in the U.S. Space Force, visited the NATO Space Centre on February 2, 2021 to discuss enhancing collaboration in this vital domain.

The visit of General Raymond to Headquarters Allied Air Command underlined the importance of cooperation between nations and NATO in the Space Domain. Increasing dialogue between NATO and the U.S. Space Force aims to better enable the Alliance to integrate space capabilities into missions and operations, meeting current and future threats.

Working closely with all Allies including in the Space domain is fundamental to the 360° deterrence and defence in the Euro-Atlantic area

"The space environment continues to evolve rapidly and is becoming ever more competitive," said General Jeff Harrigian, Commander Allied Air Command. "Working closely with all Allies, including our U.S. Space Force colleagues, is fundamental to the 360˚ deterrence and defence of the Euro-Atlantic area."

General Raymond met NATO Space Centre staffs from a range of Allied nations, who are working tirelessly to accelerate adaptation in the Space Domain. The efforts of Allied Air Command personnel is increasing the ability of NATO to fuse information from multiple national space centres. During 2021, the involvement of the NATO Space Centre in a wide range of exercises will build understanding of the Space Domain and improve the sharing of space products, data and services.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office

General Jeff Harrigian, Commander Allied Air Command (right) welcomes the General John Raymond, Chief of Space Operations in the U.S. Space Force to Allied Air Command. Photo by Sébastien Raffin.

General Jeff Harrigian (2nd from right) and General John Raymond (3rd from right) during Space information briefings at Allied Air Command. Photo by Sébastien Raffin.

General John Raymond (left) was joined by Allied Air Command Deputy Commander Lieutenant General Pascal Delerce (2nd from left) and Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Brigadier General Andrew Hansen for his tour of the NATO Space Centre. Photo by Sébastien Raffin.