A recent report highlights that NATO is ill-prepared for contemporary digital warfare. Without stronger leadership from the U.S., the alliance faces considerable security threats.
The European Centre for Policy Analysis (CEPA) has released a survey revealing that numerous NATO countries have yet to upgrade their military data systems.
While NATO leaders emphasize the need for secure, shared cloud infrastructure, many members still keep vital military data on local servers that are at risk of cyberattacks.
The report describes this data as “the currency of war” and stresses the necessity for NATO to enhance the methods used for storing and sharing military information.
Estonian Foreign Minister remarked, “For Putin, we are our own worst enemy.”
President Donald Trump, alongside NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, at a breakfast during the NATO Leaders Summit in Watford, UK, on December 4, 2019. (Reuters/Kevin Lamarck)
Currently, many NATO member states have developed their own national cloud systems. For example, France employs Thales, Germany uses Albato, and Italy is collaborating with Leonardo to establish a secure defense cloud.
In contrast, the U.S. has its unique strategy for its Department of Defense sovereign cloud, involving major tech firms like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Oracle, as noted in the same CEPA report.
This lack of integration poses a substantial challenge. The CEPA report points out that many national systems are not compatible, which complicates intelligence sharing and responsiveness during crises.
While 22 NATO nations have pledged to enhance shared cloud capabilities, progress has been slow. The CEPA emphasizes the disparity between leaders’ promises and the reality of the situation, describing the process as sluggish and bogged down by bureaucracy.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegses addressing the media upon his arrival at a NATO Defense Ministers’ meeting in Brussels on February 13th. (AP Photo/Harry Nakos)
Some delays are due to existing political tensions. Since taking office, President Trump has reaffirmed his long-held stance that NATO allies must fulfill their defense spending obligations.
In early 2025, he proposed increasing the current 2% target and stated that the U.S. would protect only those NATO members who contribute what they deem as their “fair share.”
Trump lauded NATO allies for their increased defense spending: “Truly remarkable.”
At the same time, he has received credit for fortifying the alliance, urging European nations to enhance their defense budgets. In March, he cited what he considered “thousands of billions of dollars” in new spending by NATO allies as proof of his influence. His administration remains actively involved in NATO meetings, consistently endorsing the alliance’s core mission.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has worked to assure European partners. During an April gathering in Brussels, he stated that the U.S. remains “as active in NATO as before,” countering claims that the administration is stepping back.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressing the audience at the final press conference following NATO Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Brussels on April 4th. (Jacquelyn Martin/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)
According to a statement from the State Department reported by Reuters, Rubio assured that Trump is not against NATO as an entity; rather, he opposes an underfunded or unprepared alliance.
Rubio also plays a critical role in U.S. efforts toward peace in Ukraine. In early 2025, he met with Russian and Saudi officials to present Trump’s proposed terms for a potential ceasefire, according to various reports coinciding with official State Department briefings.
He emphasized that Ukraine and its European allies will remain closely involved in ongoing negotiations. After a brief pause in U.S. aid earlier this year, he indicated that military support would resume once Kiev agreed to the proposed framework for peace.
Meanwhile, NATO continues to support Ukraine with a trust fund of about $1 billion, based on NATO’s comprehensive support package report cited in CEPA’s April findings.
The Alliance is also involved in coordinating training and equipment donations, but the CEPA notes that this effort is stalling due to challenges in secure data sharing.
The report highlights Estonia as an example of digital resilience. Estonia backs up Luxembourg’s government data through its “data embassy” system, ensuring local systems are protected during attacks. CEPA suggests that NATO should promote similar strategies among its members.
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CEPA has indicated that the U.S. is particularly well-placed to lead, and both Trump and Rubio seem to be taking important steps to steer NATO in the right direction.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.
CEPA’s reports are available for review here.
