Digital technologies are revolutionizing the battlefield, integrating military systems across all domains to enable decision advantage. Multi-domain operations, proliferation of COTS technology into the battlefield and significant advances in disruptive technologies (AI, autonomy, quantum and robotics etc.) are changing the method in which military effects are delivered. These advanced capabilities require a network that delivers massive connectivity, ultra-low latency, and enhanced mobile broadband ‘capable of connecting any sensor, from any domain, from any partner to any effector’. The evolution of 3GPP (5G) and its benefits will see a convergence of this traditionally commercial capability to unlock the connectivity required on the modern battlefield. The thousands [potentially millions] of network endpoints and realization of the ‘Internet of Battlefield Things’ will require a transformation in wireless technologies. 5G will play a vital role in enabling the EDTs and augmenting the defence digital backbone.

Therefore, this presentation will explore:

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