The NATO Communications and Information (NCI) Agency on Nov. 13 briefed North American and European industry on over $817 million in upcoming air and missile defense program business opportunities in 2018 and later, the alliance said.

The NCI Agency said that projected requirements for the next decade could further “significantly increase” that initial estimate.

These opportunities are part of a major technology refresh planned for NATO’s Air and Missile Defense Command and Control Program. The agency said it is looking to ensure possible bidders are prepared for opportunities and strategies to ensure maximum industrial participation from NATO’s business base. The briefings were expected to include more than 50 companies from 16 NATO countries.

The NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defense System (NATINAMDS) is made of four functional areas: surveillance; active air defense; passive air defense; and battle management command, control, communications, and intelligence (BMC3I). The NCI Agency is responsible for developing and operating the command and control segment.

“The developments in the programs will create a wide range of business opportunities, starting already in 2018, not just for major system integrators, but also in the areas of IT solutions and consultancy services,” Kevin Scheid, NCI Agency general manager, said in a statement.

The agency said additional information will be offered during NITEC, the NCI Agency’s annual industry conference. In 2018 it will be held in Berlin from May 22-24.