Nokia and Latvijas Mobilais Telefons inked a deal to jointly develop a 5G-powered tactical communications system designed for military use across the Baltic region.

The tie-up pairs Nokia’s advanced 5G radio technology with the Latvian operator’s experience in defence solutions to deliver a secure, high-capacity network for battlefield operations.

The network aims to deliver resilient high-speed, low-latency connectivity supporting real-time data exchange between unmanned vehicles, sensors and personnel to boost situational awareness and interoperability among national and coalition forces. The scalable solution will be designed for rapid deployment even in rugged environments.

Nokia’s head of space and defence Giuseppe Targia highlighted the transformative role of 5G in real-time military communications, adding the joint project “supports the modernisation of military capabilities, enabling faster decision-making, seamless communication, and the integration of advanced technologies across tactical environments”.

The move marks the latest step in Nokia and LMT’s efforts to bring next-generation connectivity to defence applications. The pair already work together in delivering 5G across Latvia’s mobile networks, as well as for 5G-enabled military applications “helping strengthen defence along the eastern flank”. LMT operates Europe’s first 5G military testbed at the Adazi military base in Latvia, a key NATO site.

Nokia said the partners have also developed solutions such as a portable 5G tactical network using Nokia’s Banshee platform, a 5G/LTE tactical private wireless service which was also delivered to the US Marine Corps in May.