Swedish Armed Forces to strengthen defense capabilities in 5G co-operation with Telia and Ericsson

The Swedish Armed Forces have joined Telia and Ericsson’s NorthStar 5G innovation program. Through access to the latest 5G technology, the Armed Forces will be able to test new solutions with the potential to boost Sweden’s defense capabilities. The aim is to strengthen military communications, logistics and security, while supporting Sweden’s operational role and interoperability within the NATO alliance.  

The trials will include differentiated connectivity, where the Swedish Armed Forces’ mission-critical functions receive prioritized and secure connections, and positioning solutions for vehicles, equipment and personnel. The partners will also test tactical 5G – enabling temporary connectivity in areas without regular coverage.

Brigadier-General Mattias Hanson, CIO, Swedish Armed Forces: “Strengthening Sweden militarily and acting as part of a collective defense requires us to increase our defensive capabilities. We need to utilize the latest technology and all the innovative power of the Swedish private sector. Sweden has unique skills and capabilities in both telecoms and defense technology. This co-operation brings the two together and paves the way for us to take a leading role in 5G within the NATO alliance.”

Launched in 2023, NorthStar connects a purpose-built 5G innovation network with Telia’s public 5G network. The purpose is to give partners early access to advanced 5G capabilities, based on a 5G standalone network.

NorthStar represents a natural space for civilian-military collaboration, since many use cases tested for civilian applications are also suitable for military use. The Swedish Armed Forces are therefore launching an initiative where new players and start-ups are given the opportunity to build new capabilities and solve military problems.

Anders Olsson, CEO, Telia Sweden: “Geopolitical changes mean increased demands for innovative defense capabilities. Access to new technology and robust connectivity are central to resilient defense. Sweden has world-class digital infrastructure and an advanced defense industry, which gives us a unique opportunity to strengthen our defense through civilian innovations. This is precisely what we aim to achieve with our co-operation with the Swedish Armed Forces.”

Niclas Backlund, Head of Global Customer Unit Telia, Ericsson: “5G is the most versatile technology for meeting high demands on secure, fast, and adaptable communication of audio, data, images, and video. We are therefore proud to support the Swedish Armed Forces’ important mission with our technology.”

Previously announced partners for the NorthStar innovation program include mining company Boliden and transport solutions provider Magna. For more information on NorthStar, click here.

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