- Nokia teams up with Kongsberg to enhance defence-related communications.
- The collaboration focuses on 5G technology and military use cases like unmanned systems and sensors.
What happened: Nokia partners with Kongsberg on military comms
Nokia, a global leader in telecommunications, has announced a strategic partnership with Kongsberg, a Norwegian defence and aerospace company renowned for its advanced military technologies. This collaboration focuses on the development of cutting-edge tactical communications solutions tailored for military use, combining Nokia’s expertise in telecommunications with Kongsberg’s deep experience in military-grade technology.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two companies outlines a shared goal to integrate 5G and 6G technologies into the defence sector, furthering innovations in areas such as unmanned systems, secure communications, and advanced sensors. This partnership follows a broader trend in the tech industry where civilian communication technologies are being adapted to meet the specific needs of military operations.
The collaboration leverages Kongsberg’s comprehensive portfolio in the defence and aerospace sectors, including advanced missiles, air defence systems, and rugged communication equipment, alongside Nokia’s established leadership in providing mobile and internet technologies. Nokia, which has been instrumental in deploying 5G networks globally, brings its years of experience in telecommunications to this defence-focused initiative.
In addition to enhancing battlefield communication systems, the two companies will participate in European defence programmes, including the 5G Communications for Peacekeeping and Defence (COMPAD) initiative. This programme aims to improve communication systems for peacekeeping missions and military operations, aligning with NATO’s evolving digital transformation goals.
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Why it’s important
This partnership underscores a growing trend where civilian telecom solutions are increasingly being incorporated into military operations. By integrating advanced 5G and 6G networks into defence, Nokia and Kongsberg aim to enhance operational efficiency and communication security, both of which are crucial in modern military missions. As military operations become more reliant on real-time data and autonomous systems, the need for secure, fast, and resilient communication networks has never been more pressing.
The MoU also paves the way for innovations in 6G technology, which is set to play a pivotal role in the future of military readiness. Nokia has long been at the forefront of 5G innovation, and its experience in deploying global telecommunications networks makes it uniquely qualified to spearhead this shift towards next-generation technologies for defence applications. The companies will explore how 6G’s network-as-a-sensor capabilities could enhance situational awareness for military personnel, improving decision-making in real-time.
Nokia’s expansion into the military market reflects the growing demand for rugged, secure communications systems. This is evident with products like the Mission-Safe Phone, designed to endure the harsh conditions of the battlefield, and the Banshee Tactical Radio, a compact, powerful network-in-a-box solution. With this collaboration, both companies aim to strengthen the operations of modern military forces while preparing them for future technological challenges.
