Digital technologies are transforming the battlefield, enabling faster, more integrated operations across all domains. The rise of multi-domain operations, the use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies, and rapid advances in AI, autonomy, quantum computing, and robotics are reshaping how military effects are delivered.

These capabilities demand a communications network with vast connectivity, ultra-low latency, and high-speed broadband, ‘capable of connecting any sensor, from any domain, from any partner to any effector’ The evolution of 3GPP, particularly 5G, offers the potential to meet these needs, bridging commercial innovation with defence requirements.

As the ‘Internet of Battlefield Things’ emerges, with potentially millions of connected endpoints, 5G will be central to enabling disruptive technologies and strengthening the defence digital backbone.

Key highlights of this session:

• 3GPP evolution to deliver the current benefits of 5G networks.
• NATO’s adoption and standardisation path for 5G.
• Operational use cases for 3GPP technologies.