Global military expenditure rose for the ninth consecutive year to an all-time high of $2,443 billion last year – NATO accounted for 55%
CACI International announced it has been awarded a five-year task order worth a total estimated value of $1.3 billion to provide communications and information technology expertise to US European Command (USEUCOM) and US Africa Command (USAFRICOM). The new work continues and expands CACI’s current relationship with these two “4-star commands”, service component commands and associated staff elements and organisations.
CACI will provide IT solutions and expertise tailored to the two commands’ missions. Under this task order, CACI will modernise and improve critical software and hardware performance, optimise network IT and communications and deliver end-user support for more than 11,000 personnel across 60 locations throughout Europe and Africa.
This includes cloud enablement, edge computing, Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC), Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) integration and implementation of advanced cyber security and zero trust solutions.
“CACI’s proven performance delivering responsive IT and communications in complex, multi-regional OCONUS environments, coupled with our leading-edge technical solutions and accelerators, enhance USEUCOM and USAFRICOM’s rapid response capabilities,” said CACI president and CEO John Mengucci. “We are uniquely positioned to equip the warfighter to successfully execute their missions and enhance communication, collaboration, and coordination with partner nations.”
Last month, CACI International secured a single-award technology task order worth up to $239 million with a one-year base period and four one-year option periods to modernise the US Army’s Global Secure Internet Protocol Router (SIPR) Network (GSN), including the application of commercial solutions for classified (CSfC) technology to increase options for secure user access and mobility.
Cyber defences also boosted
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, a decade after NATO members formally committed to a target of spending 2% of GDP on the military, 11 out of 31 NATO members met or surpassed this level in 2023 – the highest number since the commitment was made. Another target – of directing at least 20% of military spending to ‘equipment spending’– was met by 28 NATO members in 2023, up from 7 in 2014.
This month, USEUCOM was also in Sweden signing bilateral letter of intent (LOI) outlining a framework for a cyber partnership with the Swedish Armed Forces covering: policy, interoperability, training, capability development and cyber operations.