- The demo combined commercial and military-grade technologies to ensure secure, mobile broadband communications.
- It marked a key milestone in improving the flexibility and resilience of field communications systems.
What happened: Nokia and Bittium test secure tactical network for Finnish military
Bittium and Nokia have successfully demonstrated a hybrid tactical communications network for the Finnish Defence Forces. The trial, carried out in early 2025, tested the integration of Bittium’s Tough SDR radios and Tactical Wireless IP Network™ (TAC WIN) with Nokia’s commercial 5G and core network technologies. The system enables simultaneous use of both military and commercial communications equipment, improving mobile broadband access in tactical environments.
The demonstration confirmed the network’s ability to transfer video and data securely across heterogeneous infrastructures while maintaining operational mobility. The test setup showcased how tactical users can stay connected to command centres using either dedicated military radio links or commercial mobile broadband, depending on what is available and secure at any given time.
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Why it’s important
As modern military operations demand rapid, secure, and mobile data transmission, combining commercial 5G capabilities with military radio systems offers a significant strategic advantage. This hybrid approach allows defence forces to reduce reliance on single-network architectures, improving resilience against disruption. For Finland, a nation with a heightened focus on national defence, this project strengthens its technological readiness and paves the way for scalable digital battlefield solutions.
