The 3rd Partner Generation Project (3GPP) telecommunication standard has proven to be a reliable and mature technology, with a strong track record across various verticals. The 5G generation developed within 3GPP has demonstrated its ability to support numerous use cases and applications suitable for the defence sector. For example, the MCX framework standardised by 3GPP can be employed to enable MCX audio and video group communications required for defence.

In addition to Mobile Broadband services, which provide high data rates, 3GPP also supports Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC) capabilities that allow real-time control of robots in the warehouses and assembly lines of the defence industry. This also facilitates real-time data exchange between robots/drones and defence systems, offering a more comprehensive picture of the battlefield in real time. Video surveillance, the Internet of Things (to enhance situational awareness), and Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (for training soldiers) are further applications that 3GPP can offer to the defence sector.

One of the benefits of 5G is its supply capability. As seen in Ukraine, shortages of essential resources can arise. The ability to provide 5G using European production can readily meet even a rapid increase in European defence demand. Moreover, with 5G, the defence sector can reliably leverage, if required, existing public networks, thereby increasing the robustness of connectivity.