Nokia Trials 5G for Tactical Communications in NATO Joint Viking Exercise

During the Joint Viking 2025 military exercise in northern Norway, Nokia, in collaboration with industry partners, successfully trialed advanced 5G technology to enhance battlefield communication and coordination among over 10,000 troops from multiple NATO countries. Nokia deployed its 5G AirScale radio systems and standalone core technology, specifically adapted for defense use, enabling real-time battlefield intelligence, improving situational awareness, facilitating seamless cooperation across military units, and streamlining operations in harsh Arctic conditions. The exercise, held above the Arctic Circle, focused on strengthening NATO's northern flank and testing Norway’s ability to rapidly integrate allied support. The Norwegian Defence Agency partnered with mobile operators and telecom group Lyse to develop tactical communication solutions that function even in GPS-denied environments, leveraging commercial technology for defense applications. Nokia’s Head of Space and Defense, Giuseppe Targia, emphasized the critical role of 5G's scalable, secure, and reliable connectivity in modern military communication, while the successful trial highlights Norway’s leadership in deploying cutting-edge tactical communication technologies. This initiative reflects growing collaboration between defense forces and commercial technology providers to enhance military capabilities in complex and challenging environments.