# NATO Approves AWS for Restricted Cloud Workloads

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has become the first cloud provider authorized to handle NATO RESTRICTED level data across all NATO member nations, following evaluation under NATO's D32 technical directive by Spain's National Cryptographic Centre. This NATO-wide approval enables defense and public sector entities within NATO countries to utilize AWS cloud services in any AWS Region located within NATO member states, streamlining security compliance and accreditation processes. The authorization reflects NATO's ongoing digital transformation strategy and highlights the continued reliance on U.S. cloud technology despite evolving European Union data sovereignty regulations.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should note that AWS's NATO-wide approval establishes a common security baseline for cloud services handling sensitive defense data, facilitating faster acquisition and deployment within NATO countries.
- This development opens opportunities for U.S.-based cloud providers to expand their footprint in European defense markets while navigating EU data protection requirements.
- Organizations supporting NATO and allied defense operations can leverage this approval to align cloud service offerings with NATO security standards, potentially accelerating contract awards.
- Procurement teams should consider the implications of this approval on competitive positioning, especially relative to other major cloud providers like Microsoft, in future NATO and allied cloud procurements.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Information Technology
**Topics:** Cloud Services, Regulatory Compliance, Cybersecurity
**Published:** September 23, 2026

### Government Entities
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
- NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA)
- Spain's National Cryptographic Centre (CCN)
- European Union (EU)
- White House

### Vendors
- Amazon Web Services (prime contractor)
- Microsoft (competitor)

### Key Quotes
> This first-of-its-kind approval is the culmination of a sustained, multi-year effort. It reflects our commitment to helping defense, public sector, and NATO-affiliated customers and partners achieve their critical missions.
> — David Appel, Acting Vice President of Worldwide Public Sector, Amazon Web Services

### Sources
- [NATO’s thumbs-up for AWS shows Europe still needs America - Defense One](https://www.defenseone.com/technology/2026/09/nato-aws-europe-america/416131) - Defense One
- [NATO’s thumbs-up for AWS shows Europe still needs America - Washington Technology](https://www.washingtontechnology.com/contracts/2026/09/nato-aws-europe-america/416143) - Washington Technology
- [AWS Secures First NATO-Wide Approval for RESTRICTED Cloud Workloads – Securities.io](https://www.securities.io/aws-secures-first-nato-wide-approval-for-restricted-cloud-workloads) - Securities.io