On the 19th of May, the first 2026 session of the Steering Committee Meeting of the NATO Security Force Assistance Centre of Excellence (NATO SFA COE) was held in Tirana in Albania.
In addition to the national delegates from the Sponsoring and Contributing Nations, observers from Bulgaria, Finland, Greece, and Kosovo took part.
Following the Chairman, Col. Massimiliano Abbate’s welcome and the formal approval of the agenda, the Director of the Centre, Col. Massimo MONCADA, thanked the Host Nation and all participants, and outlined the COE’s vision and mission.
The staff presented the Centre’s key projects and activities, providing updates from each branch, along with legal and financial perspectives.
Among the projects, particular emphasis was placed on the “SFA AI Agent,” a newly developed training capability that leverages artificial intelligence to strengthen NATO SFA Operators’ education, training, and operational activities by means of advanced, scenario-based exercises.
During the meeting, participants expressed strong interest and appreciation for the high profile of the projects and activities, noting significant progress in recent months.
The Sponsoring Nations reaffirmed their full support for all ongoing initiatives and development efforts.
The meeting concluded with the traditional signature of the decision paper and the proposal of the date for the next Steering Committee meeting that will be held in Rome next November.
