Innovation and resilience in focus as the Swedish Armed Forces launch unique 5G partnership

The Swedish Armed Forces are joining the NorthStar innovation program, led by Telia and Ericsson, thereby gaining access to cutting-edge 5G technology. The aim is to test new solutions that can strengthen Sweden's national defence capability. The focus lies on enhancing communication, logistics, and security – while also advancing Sweden's communications capabilities and operational effectiveness within NATO.

As part of our ongoing work to reinforce both military and hybrid capabilities, the Swedish Armed Forces are exploring how to expand the operational use of mobile networks by integrating advanced 5G technology – specifically 5G Standalone. We will, among other things, test differentiated connectivity, which prioritizes secure and reliable connections for critical functions. Another key feature is the ability to accurately locate vehicles, equipment, and personnel.

"To strengthen Sweden militarily and operate within a collective defence, we must enhance our defence capability. This means we must adopt the latest technologies and draw on the innovation power within Swedish industry. Sweden has unique expertise in both the telecom sector and defence technology, which this collaboration brings together – paving the way for a leading role in 5G development within the NATO alliance," says Brigadier General Mattias Hanson, CIO of the Swedish Armed Forces.

With this partnership, the Swedish Armed Forces are launching a targeted initiative that enables coordinated development across all service branches. NorthStar offers a natural platform for civil-military collaboration, where many use cases designed for civilian applications are also relevant for military use. This will foster innovation and open the door for new actors and start-ups to develop capabilities that solve military challenges.

"The shifting global security environment demands a defence capability driven by innovation. Access to new technology and resilient connectivity has proven to be central to a robust defence. Sweden boasts world-class digital infrastructure and a highly advanced defence industry – giving us a unique opportunity to strengthen our national defence with civilian innovation. This is precisely what we aim to achieve through our new collaboration with the Swedish Armed Forces," says Anders Olsson, CEO of Telia Sweden.

Collaborating with industry to develop defence capabilities is a given – an approach that is already being applied in several areas. For example, the Swedish Armed Forces and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration have joined forces within the command and control domain to accelerate the acquisition of new capabilities. The goal is to reduce lead times through quicker decision-making – from strategic leadership all the way to operational deployment.

"We can no longer rely on storing equipment on shelves waiting to be used. In the tech domain, we're dealing with months or even weeks before a solution becomes outdated. That's why it's absolutely critical that we strengthen our collaboration with industry – not only to increase the pace of innovation, but also to ensure we develop the capabilities Sweden needs. Through NorthStar, we secure technological edge, redundancy, and strategic freedom – both nationally and in cooperation with our allies," concludes Brigadier General Mattias Hanson, CIO of the Swedish Armed Forces.

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Malin Brauer
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