The tests will be carried out through the Northstar 5G innovation programme, launched by Ericsson and Telia in 2023 to foster industrial 5G solutions. This programme enables applications such as network slicing and positioning, which are key to secure and prioritised communication.
The Swedish Armed Forces will evaluate the use of 5G Standalone networks to deliver differentiated connectivity for critical services. The testing will also assess the technology’s ability to track vehicles, equipment and personnel, and to provide temporary network access in areas lacking coverage.
The project aligns with the broader aim of achieving interoperability and rapid operational readiness within NATO frameworks. The collaboration brings together Sweden’s advanced telecoms capabilities with its defence expertise.
Brigadier-General Mattias Hanson, CIO of the Swedish Armed Forces, stated: “Strengthening Sweden’s 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.”
Staffan Åkesson, CTO at Telia Sweden, commented: “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 Ericsson’s Global Customer Unit Telia, added: “5G is the most versatile technology for meeting high demands for secure, fast and adaptable communication of audio, data, images and video. We are therefore pleased to support the Swedish Armed Forces’ important mission with our technology.”
The partnership underlines Sweden’s commitment to leveraging private sector innovation in support of national and allied defence capabilities. It also positions the country as a potential leader in the integration of 5G technologies within NATO.
