Finnish telecommunications company Nokia has conducted trials of its 5G technology within the context of Joint Viking 2025 military exercise in northern Norway.
The test was carried out in collaboration with various industry entities and aimed at demonstrating the role of 5G in a defence setting.
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During the trial, Nokia deployed its 5G AirScale radio products and 5G Standalone Core technology, which had been tailored for defence applications. These tools were used to support tactical communication and improve information systems across the multinational force.
Nokia’s 5G communications platform enabled military units to access real-time battlefield data. This capability supported quicker decision-making and bolstered situational awareness.
The command-and-control leadership of Joint Viking used the technology to coordinate operations more effectively, enhancing both safety and operational efficiency.
Norway’s Ministry of Defense liaison for 5G COMPAD programme and radio architect Kennet Nomeland said: “We collaborate with the industry to develop innovative defence solutions based on commercial technologies.
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By GlobalData“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.
“Nokia’s 5G technology was instrumental in the success of the Joint Viking exercise, enhancing the Norwegian Armed Forces’ readiness for complex joint operations in challenging conditions.”
The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA), operating under the Ministry of Defence, collaborated with mobile network providers to support the exercise. The NDMA continues to be a key player in integrating mobile communications into national defence strategies.
Held in Bardufoss above the Arctic Circle from 3-14 March 2025, the exercise saw participation from more than 10,000 troops representing the US, the UK, The Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, France, Canada, Germany, and Norway.
Joint Viking is a biennial event. It is designed to strengthen military cooperation and assess Norway’s capacity to receive allied reinforcements.
Nokia Space and Defense Head Giuseppe Targia said: “The scalable, secure and reliable connectivity that 5G provides has an important role in strengthening the tactical communication capabilities of defence forces.
“The successful trial of 5G in the field at Joint Viking exercise is evidence of Nokia’s continued progress in the defence sector and highlights Norwegian Armed Forces’ position as a leader in deploying advanced communication technologies for tactical operations.”
In a related development, Norwegian energy and telecom company Lyse signed an agreement with Nokia in March 2025, to advance Norway’s tactical communication infrastructure.
The partnership aims to build on existing capabilities and further develop critical communication systems for defence use.
Recently, Nokia delivered its advanced Banshee tactical private wireless solutions to enhance battlefield connectivity in support of the US Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity (MCTSSA).
In early 2025, MCTSSA received multiple Banshee units for further evaluation and integration into Marine Corps exercises.
