Shares of Thales and Leonardo climbed in European markets after the two defense contractors were named leaders of a consortium chosen by the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) to provide secure deployable communications systems for NATO special forces.
In Paris trading, Thales shares gained 1.6% to close at 241.90. In Milan, Leonardo SpA's stock rose 3.9% to 54.60.
The contract represents the initial delivery under a broader NATO programme intended to equip the Allied Special Operations Forces Command, known as SOFCOM, with modern communication and information systems that aim to bolster the alliance's resilience in contemporary combat environments.
Under the agreement, the Thales-Leonardo consortium will supply and provide training for six deployable headquarters designated Deployable Points of Presence for Special Operations Component Commands, or DPOP SOCC. These new DPOPs are described in the contract as the foundation for a future, comprehensive secure information and communication system tailored to special operations and built on classified and resilient networks.
The capabilities specified for the system include zero-day deployable IT infrastructure, resilient communications, and high-performance computing that minimize both electromagnetic and physical footprint. The platform will also create a secure multi-domain environment for exchanging mission data.
Significantly, the system is set to introduce real-time Full Motion Video, or FMV, sharing across deployable systems for the first time within a NATO context, a feature intended to enhance operational effectiveness and situational awareness for special forces units.
Thales and Leonardo will act as system providers across the equipment's full lifecycle. Their responsibilities will include training and support aimed at facilitating a smooth transition to operations under NCIA leadership.
The consortium extends beyond the Franco-Italian partnership, tapping industrial assets from across NATO member states. The project documentation notes that key technologies will be sourced from partners in the United Kingdom and Germany.
On the financial side, Thales reported 22.1 billion in sales in 2025 and invests approximately 4.5 billion annually in research and development. Leonardo disclosed 19.5 billion in revenues for 2025, with new orders totalling 23.8 billion and an order backlog of 46.6 billion.
The award adds to a sequence of contract wins for both companies as NATO members increase defence expenditures amid heightened security concerns in Europe.
Summary
The NCIA selected a Thales-led and Leonardo-participating consortium to deliver six deployable headquarters and related services to SOFCOM. The work includes lifecycle support and training, and introduces FMV sharing across deployable systems within a NATO framework for the first time.
Key points
- Thales and Leonardo will deliver six DPOP SOCC units and provide training and lifecycle support for NATO special forces communications.
- The system features zero-day deployable IT infrastructure, resilient communications, high-performance computing, and reduced electromagnetic and physical footprint.
- Sectors impacted include defence contractors, defence technology suppliers, and allied national industrial bases involved in communications and secure IT systems.
Risks and uncertainties
- The implementation and integration of classified, resilient networks across NATO members could face technical or logistical challenges that affect delivery timelines; this impacts defence systems integrators and network equipment suppliers.
- Operational transition to NCIA leadership requires effective training and support; inadequate handover could affect field readiness and influence procurement schedules.
- The reliance on industrial contributions from multiple NATO countries introduces coordination and supply-chain risks for component and technology providers in the UK, Germany, and other alliance members.