Nokia entered a partnership with German defence sector software specialist blackned to create advanced military communications networks based on 5G infrastructure, the Finnish vendor’s latest move targeting the sector.
A memorandum of understanding is based around combining Nokia’s 5G equipment and expertise with blackned’s defence sector digitalisation know-how to create a scalable, high performance tactical communications system providing a strategic advantage to users.
The system will be designed for Germany’s requirements but will be adaptable for use elsewhere.
Among the aims are to integrate it into the Rheinmetall Battlesuite, a digital platform for military systems provided by blackned’s majority shareholder Rheinmetall.
CTO of blackned Timo Zaiser said the companies would “provide powerful, flexible and future-ready tactical network solutions”, built for the “realities” of modern defence.
Nokia head of space and defence Giuseppe Targia added “in a rapidly-evolving tactical environment, speed, mobility and adaptability are paramount”, noting its 5G technology would empower defence forces to “deploy robust communication capabilities swiftly and share intelligence more effectively, providing our customers with a decisive advantage on the battlefield”.
5G advantages
The deal is one of several 5G-related defence segment moves involving Nokia. The company has undertaken numerous tests in its home market of Finland with partners assessing what the latest network technology can offer military agencies.
Together with Telia and Finnish partners, it tested the handover of a 5G slice between three countries and separately demonstrated the remote operation of an armoured vehicle in Lapland.
Last week, the company revealed details of a trial at Norwegian military exercise Joint Viking 2025, where its 5G technology provided personnel from multiple nations taking part access to advanced defence applications.