STARCOM Deputy Commander strengthens space training partnerships in France

  • Published
  • By Ethan Johnson
  • Space Training and Readiness Command
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. --  U.S. Space Force Brig. Gen. Matthew Cantore, deputy commander of Space Training and Readiness Command, traveled to Toulouse, France, March 25-29 to strengthen international space training partnerships and advance STARCOM’s role in warfighting readiness. His engagements with French and NATO space leaders focused on aligning training efforts, improving interoperability, and exploring opportunities for collaboration to enhance space capabilities.

The visit began with Cantore attending the Distinguished Visitor Day at AsterX, France’s premier space-focused military exercise. During the event, he engaged with space leaders from allied nations, commercial partners, and exercise leaders, and spent time on the ops floor, gaining insight into how participants trained together – working shoulder to shoulder as one integrated, autonomous force. STARCOM’s Aggressors from Space Delta 11, were involved in the exercise’s red cell, providing a thinking adversary that forced participants to respond to realistic, adversarial challenges. STARCOM’s participation underscored the importance of threat-informed training in sharpening operational capabilities and fostering integration among allies.

Cantore then visited the Toulouse Space Campus, where he met with Maj. Gen. Philippe Adam, commander of French Space Command, to discuss expanding joint training and education initiatives. Building on the already strong relationship between U.S. and French space forces, their conversation focused on current training opportunities, ongoing efforts, as well as future training requirements. They explored opportunities to better integrate in future exercises, discussed space cadre development, and identified ways to strengthen their partnership, ensuring shared priorities in the space domain.

Later, Cantore visited the NATO Space Centre of Excellence, where discussions centered on their evolving approach to space training, doctrine development, and operational support. Centre leaders expanded on their mission and ongoing efforts to enhance NATO’s space capabilities. They also explored ways for STARCOM and NATO to increase opportunities for joint training and exercises, improving interoperability and ensuring collective readiness in the face of emerging challenges.

Cantore’s visit to France reinforced STARCOM’s ongoing commitment to enhancing interoperability and readiness through meaningful conversations with international partners. These discussions highlighted the shared goals and responsibilities in space operations, ensuring the U.S. Space Force and its allies are prepared for future challenges.
 

 

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