Swedish Military Teams Up with Telia and Ericsson to Enhance Defense Through 5G Technology
The Swedish Armed Forces collaborates with Telia and Ericsson to implement 5G technology for defense enhancements.
Key Points
- • The collaboration aims to improve military communication and logistics.
- • Testing of 5G Standalone technology to enhance critical military functions.
- • Focus on civil-military innovation and integration of civilian technologies.
- • Telia to develop solutions for temporary connectivity in underserved areas.
On June 17, 2025, the Swedish Armed Forces announced a pioneering collaboration with Telia and Ericsson to implement cutting-edge 5G technology aimed at strengthening Sweden's defense capabilities. This strategic partnership will focus on improving communication, logistics, and overall security within the military, as Sweden seeks to enhance its positioning within NATO.
The initiative, named "NorthStar," will test 5G Standalone (SA) technology, enabling prioritized and secure connectivity for critical military functions, which includes the positioning of vehicles and personnel. Brigadier General Mattias Hanson, the Chief Information Officer of the Armed Forces, emphasized the importance of leveraging the latest technology in order to operate effectively within a collective defense framework, stating, "Access to the latest technology is crucial for effective action in a collective defense scenario."
In addition to enhancing military operations, the collaboration aims to foster civil-military innovations that can serve both civilian and military applications. Anders Olsson, CEO of Telia Sweden, noted the evolving security landscape demands a defense capacity with high innovation capabilities. He remarked, "Sweden's digital infrastructure offers a unique opportunity to integrate civilian innovations into defense strategies."
As part of the project, Telia will also develop solutions for temporary connectivity in areas lacking coverage, addressing one of the significant challenges faced by military operations. This innovative approach is expected to facilitate better communication and operational capabilities in remote and challenging environments.
The collaboration will be discussed further during a panel at the Almedalen week, where representatives from Telia and Ericsson will elaborate on the details and implications of this groundbreaking partnership. This ambitious project marks a significant advance in Sweden's military strategy, showcasing a proactive response to rising security threats through technological advancement.