Nato defence ministers of Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the formation of a Composite Special Operations Component Command (C-SOCC).
Once operational, the C-SOCC Special Forces Command will participate in the Nato Response Force.
The tri-national command will also be responsible for supporting Nato operations, in addition to other multinational missions.
In February last year, defence ministers of the three nations launched the preparatory work and signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to establish the C-SOCC.
The special forces command is stated to reach initial operational capability (IOC) next year and is expected to be fully operational in 2021.
Nato deputy secretary general Rose Gottemoeller said: “Nato recognised the need for this expertise when establishing our Special Operations Headquarters in Mons, Belgium.
Gottemoeller added: “This tri-national initiative serves as an important reminder that Special Operations Forces today increasingly operate in a multinational context.”
Located in Mons, Nato’s Special Operations headquarters is currently responsible for providing advice and support for the creation of the C-SOCC, ensuring that the command is developed in line with Nato doctrine and standards.
Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands offer a quickly deployable Nato headquarters for carrying out and managing special operations.
For the first time, the three countries have joined forces to jointly deliver a special forces headquarters to the alliance.
