Nokia Defense and UK-based C3IA have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly advance digital communications capabilities for the UK defence sector.
The MoU was signed during the 2026 Defence Vehicle Dynamics (DVD), the UK’s biennial event focused on land warfare and defence equipment.
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Under the agreement, Nokia’s portfolio in fixed and mobile connectivity will be integrated with C3IA’s strengths in systems engineering and capability integration.
The plan is to accelerate the delivery of secure, resilient communications solutions and improved network interoperability across land, air, maritime, cyber and space domains.
The companies aim to deliver operationally relevant technologies to UK Defence and address the increasing need for secure interconnection of personnel, platforms, sensors and data in multi-domain environments.
Nokia Defense and C3IA are both participants in the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) Tactical Communication Systems (TacSys) framework. This allows the MOD and other UK government entities to procure technology in support of future tactical communications needs.
The companies confirmed that the MoU will build on their roles in the TacSys framework’s service and component categories, with access to Nokia’s connectivity portfolio stretching “from headquarters to the tactical edge”.
Planned areas of joint development include tactical and operational communications, secure information sharing, private 4G and 5G networks, situational awareness, command and control, sensing and autonomous systems, and edge computing.
In addition, the companies will focus on translating advanced communication technologies into practical solutions that address operational requirements specific to UK defence programmes.
Nokia Defense vice president and head Mikko Viitaniemi said: “Through this collaboration with C3IA, we are combining resilient, mission-critical connectivity with expertise in defence systems engineering and support services to help turn technology into operational capability and advance tactical communications and interoperability across future UK defence programmes.”
C3IA delivers technical and security services to public and private sector clients. The company specialises in systems engineering, ICT, information assurance, and NCSC-assured cyber solutions, supporting major defence programmes.
Nokia Defense focuses on secure connectivity for defence applications, drawing on expertise in fixed, mobile, and transport networks. Its solutions are designed to support critical operations and national security in an increasingly digital defence environment.
C3IA managing director Steve Brown said: “Our partnership with Nokia enables the rapid deployment of innovative capabilities that can deliver real operational value on the battlefield. Ultimately, our shared goal is to connect the battlespace, strengthen national security, and help equip the MOD for the future.”
