The Baltic Defence College and NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence signed a cooperation agreement today. The two international military organizations will support each other’s academic activities.
“These two unique international military organisations located in Estonia are a natural match. I have high expectations for the strengthened cooperation,” said Sven Sakkov, director of the Tallinn-based NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, a think tank and training facility. “The Centre is a trendsetter for Allies and partners in cyber defence, the Baltic Defence College serves the same purpose in multinational higher military education,” Sakkov added.
“I believe that our cooperation agreement will be greatly beneficial for both institutions. It will help the Baltic Defence College better integrate the cyber component into our educational curricula, especially in relation to defence planning,” emphasized Maj. Gen. Vitalijus Vaikšnoras, the Commandant of the Baltic Defence College.
The cooperation agreement focuses on supporting research activities, knowledge sharing and academic exchange. In particular, it outlines sharing of subject matter experts and research outcomes as well as participation in events.
The Tallinn-based NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (NATO CCD COE) is a NATO-accredited knowledge hub, think-tank and training facility. The international military organisation focuses on interdisciplinary applied research and development, as well as consultations, trainings and exercises in the field of cyber security. The Centre’s mission is to enhance capability, cooperation and information-sharing between NATO, Allies and partners in cyber defence. Membership of the Centre is open to all Allies. The Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the USA have signed on as sponsoring nations. Austria and Finland have joined the Centre as contributing participants. The Centre is funded and staffed by these member nations.
The Baltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL) is a Professional Military Educational Institution that has proven to be a remarkable example of successful cooperation amongst the Baltic States themselves, and between the Baltic States and nations participating in the project. Through the increasing cooperation with other institutions the College is raising the quality of professional education every academic year. BALTDEFCOL is an English-speaking educational institution for operational and strategic level military and civilian leaders in the Baltic States as well as their allies and partners.
Photos of the signing can be accessed at http://pildid.mil.ee/NATO-K-berkaitse-Kompetentsikeskuse-ja-Balti-Kaitsekolled-i-vahelise-koost-lepingu-s-lmimine-07-04-2016 (Photo credit: Ardi Hallismaa, Estonian Defence Forces).