The Swedish Armed Forces have decided to explore the innovative capabilities of 5G by joining the NorthStar programme, a collaboration between Telia and Ericsson. The programme serves as a platform for testing new 5G applications, reflecting the increasing interest in the integration of advanced technology into military operations.
According to Brigadier-General Mattias Hanson, CIO of the Swedish Armed Forces, collaborating with the private sector is essential in enhancing Sweden’s defense capabilities. “Strengthening Sweden militarily and acting as part of a collective defence requires us to increase our defensive capabilities. We need to utilise the latest technology and all the innovative power of the Swedish private sector,” stated Brigadier-General Hanson.
NorthStar aims to leverage 5G technology to improve secure, mission-critical functions, including providing precise positioning solutions for vehicles, equipment, and personnel. The project also explores ‘tactical 5G’ to create temporary networks in areas without regular coverage.
Emphasizing the versatility and security of 5G, Niclas Backlund from Ericsson mentioned, “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.”
Originally launched in 2023, NorthStar was conceived as a sandbox for industrial enterprises, but it evolved into a civilian-military collaboration. Anders Olsson, CEO of Telia Sweden, highlights the importance of the collaboration by stating, “Access to new technology and robust connectivity are central to resilient defence.”