Securing the tactical edge: How Nokia is powering defense communications
Modern defense operations demand secure, resilient and reliable communications to maintain superiority in contested environments. Securing and transmitting real-time intelligence, coordinating multi-domain operations and ensuring seamless interoperability are all vital to mission success.
At Nokia, we are leveraging decades of experience in telecommunications to push the boundaries of defense communications. From cutting-edge 5G solutions to next-generation connectivity, we’re committed to keeping defense forces connected, secure and ready for whatever comes next.
In this blog, I will explore how Nokia’s innovative solutions are transforming defense communications, ensuring mission success and delivering a tactical edge in the most demanding environments.
The transformative power of 5G in military operations
5G is more than just a commercial technology, it’s a force multiplier for modern defense, providing secure, scalable and resilient connectivity in contested environments. Our 5G solutions, built on the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards, seamlessly integrate with existing defense technologies to enhance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
Our acquisition of Fenix Group in 2024 strengthened our tactical portfolio, bringing advanced broadband communications to the battlefield. Solutions like the 5G Banshee Flex Radio and Talon MANET radios deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity for deployed forces and command-and-control operations at a fraction of the cost.
Advancing defense with Lockheed Martin and Verizon
Nokia, Lockheed Martin and Verizon have successfully integrated Nokia’s military-grade 5G solutions into Lockheed Martin’s 5G.MIL® Hybrid Base Station (HBS). This marks a significant milestone in the industry, demonstrating how commercial 5G can be seamlessly adapted to meet the stringent security and performance requirements of military operations. This integration brings unprecedented flexibility and scalability to military communications, ensuring mission-critical data can be transmitted with greater speed, security and reliability.
Recent demonstrations validated Nokia’s 5G capabilities within Lockheed Martin’s 5G.MIL Unified Network Solutions ecosystem, showcasing seamless interoperability with Verizon’s network operations and management solutions. This rapid integration of advanced technologies enhances security, scalability and operational effectiveness
Why Nokia for defense?
In addition to our collaboration with Lockheed Martin and Verizon, we have forged several significant partnerships, leveraging our extensive experience in delivering over 50 mission-critical IP, optical and microwave networks for defense agencies. Our work with the U.S. Federal Government, NATO and Five Eyes nations reflects our deep understanding of the unique challenges of military communications. With a focus on secure, high-performance connectivity across all domains, we empower forces to operate seamlessly in any environment.
We play a crucial role in NATO’s 5G testing initiatives, helping define the next generation of military networks. Our contributions to European Defense Fund capability programs—5GCompad, which builds a 5G blueprint for defense, and FACT, a federated cyber-physical test range initiative—demonstrate our leadership in advancing defense technology. Additionally, our collaboration with Telefónica Defense for Spain’s Ministry of Defense and Navy highlights our efforts to modernize battlefield connectivity.
As a key partner in NATO’s Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), we support projects that drive cutting-edge advancements in secure communications. Our work with Latvian Mobile Telephone (LMT) on the NATO Digital Backbone Experimentation (DiBAX) further showcases the potential of 5G to enhance military interoperability.
The future of military communications
Collaboration is key to driving innovation in defense technology. Through our strategic relationship with Lockheed Martin and partnerships with other industry leaders, we are driving the next generation of military communications. From enabling 5G tactical networks to supporting joint force connectivity, we are redefining the future of secure, mission-critical communications.
Interested in learning more? Look at our Defense technology and communications webpage, Nokia Federal Solutions webpage, and read Lockheed Martin’s press release!
