Network vendor Nokia has signed a strategic agreement with Latvian telco Latvijas Mobilais Telefons (LMT) to provide its 5G radio technology for LMT’s defense offering.

The pair will work to develop a tactical communications system that is designed for dedicated use cases in the region.

The partnership will see Nokia and LMT develop a system that can enable real-time data exchange among unmanned vehicles, sensors, and military teams on the battlefield.

LMT has focused heavily on its defense offering, previously launching a 5G military testbed, a site dedicated to the experimentation and demonstration of 5G military applications.

The country's proximity to Russia has heightened the telco's efforts to drive its defense strategy.

"Together with Nokia, we are enhancing the security, resilience, and operational readiness of national and allied forces, ensuring mission success even in the most demanding environments," said Juris Binde, president, LMT.

The 5G military testbed at the Ādaži base, a key NATO site in Latvia, is the first 5G military testbed in Europe. The carrier has developed a portable 5G tactical network at the site, using Nokia’s Banshee platform.

Nokia previously announced upgrades to its Banshee 5G Tactical Radio back in September, while also unveiling a military smartphone.

The base serves as a training camp for the Latvian army and, since 2017, has been home to a multinational NATO battalion. The testbed itself has been in operation since 2020 and is formed of two standalone 5G networks. It is open to all NATO allies to develop 5G defense applications.

"Tactical defense systems harness the high speed, low latency, and robust connectivity of 5G networks to enhance real-time operations on the battlefield," added Giuseppe Targia, head of Space and Defense, Nokia.

"Our joint solution with LMT supports the modernization of military capabilities, enabling faster decision-making, seamless communication, and the integration of advanced technologies across tactical environments."