As the world adapts to 5G, or 5th generation telecommunication technologies, NATO Allied Command Transformation is continuously evolving and adapting the Military Instrument of Power. 5G directly impacts global defence and security, both with innovative technologies like Augmented Reality integration or the Internet of Things, and with increased threats like massive Distributed Denial of Service Attacks.
5G is the fifth generation of wireless cellular technology, which provides higher download speeds, lower latency (the time it takes for data to pass from one point to another) and greater overall bandwidth compared to previous generations. These evolutions allow improvements in machine-to-machine communications, utilization complexity, and device connectivity. NATO Allied Command Transformation focuses on applying transformative 5G technologies through NATO core tasks of deterrence and defence, crisis prevention and management, and cooperative security.
The deployment of 5G continues to roll out, applying across academia, industry, and security. Enhanced communications for military and emergency services, real time control applications, and autonomous transportation for supply and logistics are examples of applications; these are some practical use cases that are being globally explored, particularly as more of the world integrates 5G capabilities throughout their infrastructures. Security is also a concern, as larger cyberattacks occur due to the increased bandwidth and overall integration of 5G technologies with cloud computing.
Since 2022, NATO Allied Command Transformation works with the Latvian Ministry of Defence in Latvia to conduct a field-based operational demonstration, test and experimentation event called Digital Backbone Experimentation (DiBaX).
Digital Backbone, cloud and data-centric solutions, and artificial intelligence technologies are operated in field-like conditions together with operational military users, industry and academia to provide solution improvements, interoperability proposals, requirements, and ready solutions. ACT efforts support the adoption of emerging and disruptive technology to improve readiness and communications between military commanders, operational elements, and supporting personnel.
5th Generation mobile telecommunications technologies were developed to provide transformational opportunities in the civilian sector, but they also have the potential for military applications. The use of 5G, virtual and augmented reality can help the armed forces learn and use complex military equipment.
– Warren Low
NATO Allied Command Transformation
As dedicated 5G working groups across NATO continue to explore and innovate, Allied Command Transformation examines the ways and means to apply these new capabilities to keep NATO and its member nations secure.