NATO Maven Smart System Achieves Full Technical Operational Capability
Jun 30 2026
**MONS, Belgium** - NATO Maven Smart System (MSS) achieved its full technical operational capability, June 22, marking a major milestone in the Alliance’s digital transformation.
“Data more than ever is a strategic asset. Our ability to share it in a secure way, governed by common standards, while respecting national sovereignty, strengthening trust and enhancing operational coherence will be critical for our warfighters,” said Ambassador Jean-Charles Ellermann-Kingombe, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Cyber and Digital Transformation. “Today, we recognise not only a technological milestone, but the power of collaboration and shared purpose in strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defence.”
> “Data more than ever is a strategic asset.
In a letter sent June 26, 2026 Mr. Bart van Miert, NATO Communications Information Agency (NCIA) acting chief operating officer, informed French Army Lieutenant General Ludovic Pinon de Quincy, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) vice chief of staff that NATO MSS met full technical operational capability, and all of ACOs’ requirements.
“The Agency is proud to have partnered with ACO and the broader NATO enterprise to successfully deliver this critical capability to the warfighter,” said Dr. Dylan Browne, NCIA general manager.
MSS is an AI-enabled platform that connects command and control systems across the NATO enterprise. It supports any AI model, such as France’s Mistral AI and the U.S.’s Meta Platforms, with additional models planned. The platform was tested extensively throughout the last year, including during several exercises such as NATO’s exercise STEADFAST DETERRENCE.
“During [Exercise] STEADFAST DETERRENCE 2026, we tested NATO MSS capabilities, which automated scripting and opposition forces responses,” said German Army Major-General Ruprecht von Butler, Joint Warfare Center (JWC) commander. “The integration of NATO MSS into JWC’s exercises underscores our adaptability and support to the warfighter.”
Separately, the NATO Security Accreditation Board granted NATO MSS full security accreditation for the system to operate on NATO’s classified network.
“This gives us full authorization to operate NATO MSS for everything, including exercises, missions, and activities,” said U.S. Army Colonel Arnel David, TF Maven director. “What we built is about making peace more secure.”
This new milestone also paves the way for further implementation of NATO MSS across all ACO subordinate headquarters.
SHAPE is the military headquarters of ACO.
For more information, visit www.nato.int or https://shape.nato.int/.
Story by SHAPE Public Affairs Office