Vertical: Military
Application: Tactical communications, real-time battlefield intelligence, command and control operations, situational awareness
Ecosystem: Nokia
Private Network: 5G
Nokia successfully demonstrated 5G technology during Joint Viking 2025, a major multinational military exercise held in northern Norway above the Arctic Circle. The deployment represents a significant milestone in adapting commercial wireless technology for defense applications in extreme conditions.
The exercise took place in Bardufoss in March of 2025, bringing together more than 10,000 troops from nine NATO nations. Joint Viking occurs every two years to test NATO’s ability to defend its northern flank and evaluate Norway’s capacity to integrate allied reinforcements.
Nokia deployed its 5G AirScale radio products and 5G Standalone Core technology specifically configured for defense operations. The network enabled enhanced coordination between military units from different countries while providing secure, reliable connectivity in harsh Arctic conditions.
Military personnel gained access to real-time battlefield intelligence through Nokia’s 5G platform, significantly improving decision-making speed. Command and control leadership used this enhanced data flow to strengthen situational awareness and optimize operational efficiency throughout the exercise.
“We collaborate with the industry to develop innovative defence solutions based on commercial technologies,” said Kennet Nomeland, Radio Architect and Norway’s Ministry of Defense liaison for 5G COMPAD program. “A prime example is advanced software functionality, which enables Nokia’s 5G systems to operate in GNSS-denied environments, along with their next-generation radio equipment, engineered for reduced size, weight, and power.”
The trial showcased the ability to function in GPS-denied environments where traditional systems may be compromised. Nokia’s equipment was designed to minimize size, weight, and power consumption while maintaining performance in extreme conditions.
“The scalable, secure and reliable connectivity that 5G provides has an important role in strengthening the tactical communication capabilities of defense forces,” commented Giuseppe Targia, Head of Space and Defense at Nokia. “The successful trial highlights Norwegian Armed Forces’ position as a leader in deploying advanced communication technologies for tactical operations.”
The Arctic environment with temperatures well below freezing and harsh weather conditions provided an ideal proving ground for testing commercial wireless technology under extreme stress. The successful trial validates the potential for 5G networks to support military operations in demanding environments and establishes an important precedent for future military communication deployments.
