# NATO Defence Against Terrorism Programme of Work **Entity class:** Multinational counterterrorism technology program **Domain:** NATO / armaments cooperation / counterterrorism **Established:** 2004 **Maturity:** Developed ## Definition The **NATO Defence Against Terrorism Programme of Work** is a multinational technology program endorsed by NATO leaders at the 2004 Istanbul Summit and launched through the Conference of National Armaments Directors. Its initial work organized nine capability areas intended to prevent terrorist attacks and improve the ability of allied forces to detect, disrupt, pursue, and protect against terrorist threats. The program is an early explicit statement of the [[wiki/Counterterrorism Technology Stack|counterterrorism technology stack]]. Its 2004 architecture included counter-IED methods, explosive-ordnance disposal, protection of aircraft and helicopters, harbor and ship protection, defense against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons, precision airdrop for special operations, intelligence/reconnaissance/surveillance/target acquisition, and counter-mortar capability. The program also demonstrates the industrial and institutional character of technological counterterrorism: national research programs, military services, the NATO Research and Technology Organisation, and the NATO Industrial Advisory Group were joined under a counterterrorism technology coordinator. The object was not a single weapon but a portfolio capable of adapting to multiple modes of attack. ## Relationships - **master collection:** [[collections/Terrorism, Counterterrorism, and the Intelligence Environment|Terrorism, Counterterrorism, and the Intelligence Environment]]. - **mission:** [[wiki/Counterterrorism|Counterterrorism]]. - **technology architecture:** [[wiki/Counterterrorism Technology Stack|Counterterrorism Technology Stack]]. - **institutional neighbor:** [[wiki/NATO Innovation Hub|NATO Innovation Hub]]. - **operational domains:** [[wiki/Joint Special Operations Command|Joint Special Operations Command]], [[wiki/Irregular Warfare|Irregular Warfare]], and [[wiki/Counterterrorism Collection - Counter-WMD|Counter-WMD]]. ## Sources / Provenance - [NATO — Combating Terrorism Through Technology, July 1, 2004](https://www.nato.int/en/news-and-events/events/transcripts/2004/07/01/combating-terrorism-through-technology) **As of:** 2026-09-23 ## Simple Reminders, Quotations, and Thoughts > "In response, NATO Allies are working together to develop new and improved technologies to combat this increasingly sophisticated threat." > **— Marshall Billingslea**, *July 1, 2004, NATO Defence Against Terrorism program* [[reminders/Counterterrorism/New Technologies Must Combat a Sophisticated Terrorist Threat by Marshall Billingslea|New Technologies Must Combat a Sophisticated Terrorist Threat by Marshall Billingslea]]