CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -Space Defence : creation of a NATO space Centre of excellence (COE) in Toulouse. On 18th January 2023, the signing of the “operational” memorandum of understanding in Paris marked the creation of the NATO space Centre Of Excellence (COE) dedicated to space defence.

Detailed explanation-2: -In 2019, Allies adopted NATO’s Space Policy and recognised space as a new operational domain, alongside air, land, sea and cyberspace. This policy guides NATO’s approach to space and ensure the right support to the Alliance’s operations and missions in such areas as communications, navigation and intelligence.

Detailed explanation-3: -It will promote Space expertise sharing and interoperability and establish a bridge between NATO and all relevant national and international Space organizations from all sectors (Defence, Civil, Industry, and Research). The NATO Space COE will focus on key roles of NATO pertaining to Space.

Detailed explanation-4: -At present, NATO has 30 members. In 1949, there were 12 founding members of the Alliance: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States.