// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM

5G Tactical

5G Tactical refers to the use of fifth-generation wireless technology to create private, secure, and mobile communication networks for military operations. This enables faster and more reliable sharing of large amounts of data, like video and sensor feeds, between soldiers, vehicles, and command centers on the battlefield.

5G Tactical — illustration from Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

5G Tactical is the military adaptation of 5th generation cellular technology to establish resilient, low-latency, high-bandwidth private networks for tactical edge operations. This capability is a key enabler for Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) and the Internet of Battlefield Things (IoBT), facilitating real-time data fusion, autonomous systems, and enhanced situational awareness in contested environments.

BACKGROUND

The Samsung Galaxy S20 is a series of high-end Android-based smartphones developed, manufactured, and marketed by Samsung Electronics as part of its flagship Galaxy S series. They collectively serve as the successor to the Galaxy S10 series. The first three smartphones were unveiled at Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event on February 11, 2020, alongside Galaxy Z Flip, and they were released in the United States on March 6, 2020 and in Europe on March 13, 2020. The Galaxy S20 FE was first announced on September 23, 2020, and released on October 2, 2020. In May 2020, a rugged variant for military use named the "Tactical Edition" was released.

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SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • Military 5G
  • Battlefield 5G
  • Private 5G for Defense
  • NextG for C4ISR
  • Tactical Private Network
  • 5G at the Edge

USAGE NOTE

Unlike commercial 5G, tactical 5G emphasizes security, resilience to jamming, and rapid deployment in austere or contested environments.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to 5G Tactical.

  • Lockheed Martin

    Developing a 5G.MIL framework to create unified and secure communication networks across all domains of warfare, from space to undersea. They are integrating 5G into their platforms like the F-35 and for Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) initiatives.

  • L3Harris Technologies

    A major defense contractor focused on resilient communications. L3Harris is developing advanced tactical 5G solutions, including private 5G networks, designed to provide secure, high-bandwidth connectivity for warfighters in contested environments.

  • Northrop Grumman

    Integrating 5G technology into its battle management systems to enhance command and control capabilities. Their work focuses on creating secure, resilient, and high-speed data links for JADC2 to connect sensors, shooters, and command nodes.

  • General Dynamics Mission Systems

    Specializes in command, control, computers, communications, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C5ISR) systems. They develop and deploy private tactical 5G networks that are mobile, ruggedized, and secure for battlefield operations.

  • BAE Systems

    This company is working on integrating 5G capabilities into its diverse portfolio of defense electronics and communication systems. Their focus includes enhancing situational awareness and data sharing on platforms like combat vehicles and aircraft.

  • Ericsson

    A leading telecommunications equipment provider that partners with defense contractors and government agencies to adapt its commercial 5G technology for military use. They provide core network infrastructure for secure, private tactical 5G deployments.

  • Nokia

    Leveraging its Bell Labs research and commercial network expertise, Nokia develops ruggedized and rapidly deployable private 5G solutions for defense. Their technology is designed for mission-critical communications in harsh and remote environments.

  • Thales Group

    A global leader in defense and aerospace, Thales is developing secure 5G communication solutions for military forces. Their work focuses on ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and resilience of tactical networks against cyber threats.

  • AT&T

    Through its government solutions division, AT&T is working directly with the U.S. Department of Defense to build out 5G networks on military bases. These projects serve as testbeds for developing and proving tactical 5G applications for future battlefield use.

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