5G Communications
for Peacekeeping and Defence
PHASE 1 OVERVIEW 2023-2025
The 5G COMPAD project aims to facilitate use of 5G for defence and enable interoperability of defence and public communication systems across EU member states.
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What is the project about?

A consortium of world-leading partners from European telecom and defence industries, co-funded by the European Union under the European Defence Fund, work together to develop the communication system architecture and specifications, and create joint testbeds to demonstrate the integration of 5G standalone networks with existing defence infrastructure using commercial and defence hardware and software components.

Established 5G network procedures, enhanced with domain-specific orchestration functions, provide interoperability between defence communication systems, public 4G and 5G operator networks, and 5G national security networks across coalition members from various EU member states.

What is the central challenge?

5G COMPAD aims to break down hurdles faced by European armed forces, which currently rely on expensive, hardware-locked communication systems with limited data rates and interoperability.

By designing a reference architecture for a 5G-based communications system compatible with existing systems and platforms, and by enabling the recurrent integration of 5G, the project will provide a robust high-speed communication system and enable the rapid introduction of new capabilities. This will ensure sustained information superiority for operational success across the entire conflict spectrum, including peacetime, grey-zone and armed conflicts.

Video of Global Demonstration in Latvia 2024

Video of Global Demonstration in Germany 2025

Interactive Map of Activities 2023 - 2025

Click on the markers for info

PHASE 1

Project Partners

The 5G COMPAD project consortium is made up of world-leading 5G technology companies and the strongest European defence systems integrators and providers, network operators, research institutes, and technology SMEs from 11 EU member states and Norway.

Industry

12 partners – 5G infrastructure and device providers, defence system integrators and providers, network operators

SME

4 partners – cloud service provider, hardware and ICT solution developers

Research institutions

3 partners – wireless communications, military, and digital infrastructure experts

AT AIT Austrian Institute of Technology
DE Rheinmetall
EE CAFA Tech
EL Eight Bells Hellas
EL IDE
ES Inster
FI Bittium
FI Nokia
FR Thales
HU BHE Bonn Hungary Elektronikai

IT Leonardo
LV Latvijas Mobilais Telefons
NO Norwegian Defence Research Establishment
NO Telenor
NO Sintef
SE APR Technologies
SE Ericsson
SE Saab
SE Synkzone

Project Partners

AT AIT Austrian Institute of Technology
DE Rheinmetall
EE CAFA Tech
EL Eight Bells Hellas
EL IDE
ES Inster
FI Bittium
FI Nokia
FR Thales
HU BHE Bonn Hungary Elektronikai
IT Leonardo
LV Latvijas Mobilais Telefons
NO Norwegian Defence Research Establishment
NO Telenor
NO Sintef
SE APR Technologies
SE Ericsson
SE Saab
SE Synkzone

Saab, the Coordinator of the 5G COMPAD-project, is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 18,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer, more sustainable and more equitable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.

Ericsson enables communications service providers and enterprises to capture the full value of connectivity. The company’s portfolio spans the following business areas: Networks, Cloud Software and Services, Enterprise Wireless Solutions, Global Communications Platform, and Technologies and New Businesses. It is designed to help our customers go digital, increase efficiency and find new revenue streams. Ericsson’s innovation investments have delivered the benefits of mobility and mobile broadband to billions of people globally. Ericsson stock is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and on Nasdaq New York.

As an integrated technology group with about 25,000 employees worldwide, Rheinmetall AG stands for a strong, internationally successful company that operates in various markets with an innovative range of products and services. As a renowned development partner and direct supplier to the global automotive industry and a leading international systems provider for security technology, Rheinmetall draws on its high level of expertise in its basic technologies to address long-term megatrends, identify viable new markets with high growth potential and develop innovative solutions for a safe and liveable future.

Bittium is a trusted Finnish company with over 35 years of experience in advanced radio communication technologies. For the Defense & Security market, Bittium provides the most modern products and solutions for tactical and secure communications. The products and solutions for tactical communications bring broadband data and voice to all troops across the battlefield. For secure communications, Bittium offers proven mobile devices and cyber security solutions certified up to the CONFIDENTIAL level.

We create technology that helps the world act together. As a trusted partner for critical networks, we are committed to innovation and technology leadership across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. We create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs. Adhering to the highest standards of integrity and security, we help build the capabilities needed for a more productive, sustainable and inclusive world.

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies, investing in digital and “deep tech” innovations – connectivity, big data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and quantum computing – to build a confident future crucial for the development of our societies. The Group provides its customers – businesses, organisations and governments – in the defense, aeronautics, space, transport, and digital identity and security domains with solutions, services and products that help them fulfil their critical role, consideration for the individual being the driving force behind all decisions. Thales has 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2021 the Group generated sales of €16,2 billion.

Leonardo (Italy), a global high-technology company, develops multi-domain capabilities in the Aerospace, Defence and Security sector. The company plays a prominent role in major international strategic programmes and is a trusted technological partner of governments, defence agencies, institutions and enterprises. Innovation, continuous research, digital manufacturing and sustainability are the cornerstones of Leonardo’s business worldwide.

Part of Oesia group, INSTER is a Spanish engineering and innovation high-tech  company addressing the domains of Defence, Security, Telecommunictions and Space. It combines expertise in RF, signal processing and mechanical systems. It  is a world leader of Satcoms On The Move terminals for vehicles, aircrafts, UAVs, vessels and trains. It is located in Madrid with large and modern facilities where it can design, develop, manufacture and test its own products as well as integrate third-party communications equipment into military vehicles

EIGHT BELLS HELLAS PC is an independent high technology company providing innovative solutions, based in Athens, Greece. We specialize in selected parts of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the fields of Defense, Security, Space, Telecommunications and Cybersecurity, with disruptive IT solutions.

INTRACOM DEFENSE (IDE) is a highly acclaimed Greek Defense Systems Company, with an outstanding record in domestic programs and exports to quality-driven international customers. IDE designs, develops and manufactures state-of-the-art tactical communications and electronic systems, command control & communication systems, unmanned systems, missile electronics, and hybrid power systems. IDE also participates in several multinational development and production programs and EU-funded R&D projects.

CAFA Tech is Estonian robotics and Technology company. CAFA Tech provides Computer Vision Systems and Convolutional Neural Networks for analyzing drones and robot sensors and cameras data feeds in near real time. CAFA Tech develops autonomous and tele-operated mobile robots UGVs for logistics, construction and ground maintenance tasks. CAFA automated UAVs are controlled over cellular (5G) or Satcom communication. CAFA UWB (Ultra Wide Band) sensors support obstacle detection by drones and robots in poor visibility situations.

Telenor Group is a leading telecommunications company across the Nordics and Asia with 172 million subscribers and annual sales of around NOK 110 billions (2021).

SINTEF is a broad, multidisciplinary research organisation with international top-level expertise in the fields of technology, the natural sciences, medicine and the social sciences. We conduct contract R&D as a partner for the private and public sectors, and we are one of the largest contract research institutions in Europe. The Dept. of Sustainable Communication Technologies, part of the SINTEF Digital institute, is contributing in 5G-COMPAD with its knowledge in wireless communications.

Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) is the prime institution responsible for defence-related research in Norway. The Establishment is the chief adviser on defence-related science and technology to the Ministry of Defence and the Norwegian Armed Forces’ military organization. In order to maintain a position at the forefront of science and technology within chosen sectors, FFI collaborates with national and international scientific institutions and industry

LMT is a Latvian mobile innovator, IT company, and AI & EDGE solution developer, offering a full spectrum of telecommunication, integration, and IT services. LMT develops 5G and beyond-enabled solutions, as well as provides critical communications for public safety. The company has participated in several EU projects, hosts Europe’s first 5G military testbed, and has earned recognition for its R&D and cross-sectoral collaboration. In 2022, LMT was named the Innovation Champion of Latvia.

The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology is Austria’s largest non-university research institute and a highly specialised R&D partner for industry. AIT provides research and technological development to realize basic innovations for the next generation of infrastructure related technologies in the fields of , Digital Safety & Security, Energy, Low-Emission Transport, Health & Bioresources, Vision, Automation & Control and Technology Experience as well as Innovation Systems & Policy.

Synkzone i a unique cloud service based on technical foundations that meet high security demands, combined with a crisp user experience, smart ways to collaborate and high availability. Use of Synkzone protects your information and helps you store and share information in a secure way. Synkzone solutions can be integrated in other applications and be delivered On Prem to run also in closed networks.

BHE is a 100% Hungarian-owned company founded in 1991. It is a major designer of numerous RF and microwave products and applications for mobile operators, government, defence, space and aeronautics organizations worldwide. Key market segments are the mobile telecommunications, defence and aerospace industrial areas and all RF & Microwave fields where special needs are identified. Its solutions are used on four continents, in over 30 countries.

APR Technologies AB is a Swedish high-tech company based in Enköping, Sweden. We develop advanced thermal technologies to improve the performance of spacecrafts, electric vehicles, battery packs and demanding electronics.

Project Phase 1 Sub-Contractors

CNIT (National, Inter-University Consortium for Telecommunications) is a non-profit consortium, established in 1995, bringing together 41 public Italian universities to perform research and education/training activities in the field of the Information and Communication Technology. CNIT participates in and coordinates various EU H2020 projects on 5G. Four of these projects ranked first in their respective rankings. It is member of the 5GPPP and takes part in the ministerial 5G experimentation in the Milan metropolitan area.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Communication, Information Processing and Ergonomics FKIE develops technologies and processes with the aim of early detection, mitigation and management of existential risks. In close cooperation with strategic partners, the institute is dedicated to the entire processing chain of data and information: from acquisition, transmission and processing to reliable protection. The Fraunhofer FKIE is committed to this mission both in the civilian sector and in command and reconnaissance processes in the defence technology sector.

The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) is a key player in research, development and innovation in four main areas: defence and security, low carbon energies (nuclear and renewable energies), technological research for industry, fundamental research in the physical sciences and life sciences. Drawing on its widely acknowledged expertise, the CEA actively participates in collaborative projects with a large number of academic and industrial partners.

Space Hellas SA (SPH) is a leading System Integrator, Value-Added Solution and Service Provider in the areas of ICT and Security for the enterprise, government, and defence sectors, certified according to ISO 9001:2008 and ISO/IEC 27001:2005 standards. Space Hellas has long track in cybersecurity and defence R&D, currently coordinating four ongoing European cybersecurity & defence projects (AInception, PRIVATEER, SEPTON, DEGREES) and actively participating in 17 others. Furthermore, SPH actively participated in the 5GENESIS H2020 project, delivering one of the flagship 5G experimentation platforms in Europe.

PHASE 1

Project Details

Photos of the Project

Why is 5G Beneficial for Defence?

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.

Use Cases for Deployment

PHASE 1 Project timeline

2023 Study and Specification
  • Definition of 5G COMPAD reference system architecture
  • Identification of use cases, system requirements and KPIs
  • Specification of military dependability solutions
  • Initiation of dissemination, standardisation and exploitation plans
2024 Integration and Extension
  • 5G COMPAD demonstrators design and setup with secure and ruggedised military communication infrastructure
  • Final release of technical specifications for the 5G COMPAD system solution
  • Final design of the security and military dependability solutions

     

2025 Validation
  • Final demonstrators integrated with defence systems, tested and evaluated
  • Final 5G COMPAD system solution demonstrated to stakeholder
  • Final project review followed by recommendations for further exploitation
2025+: The start of "5G COMPAD 2.0" (the consortium has submitted an application)
  • Intent: An extension programme is proposed to build upon and further evolve the artefacts and learnings from 5G COMPAD.

PHASE 1

Project News

5G COMPAD Concludes After Three Years of Advancing European Defence Communications

After three years of intensive collaboration, the European Defence Fund (EDF) project 5G COMPAD – 5G Communications for Peacekeeping and Defence – has successfully concluded, marking a major milestone in the development of next-generation, interoperable communication systems for European defence. Over its duration, the project has demonstrated how adapted 5G technologies can deliver secure, resilient and flexible communications to support missions at sea, on land, and in the air.

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February 10, 2026

5G COMPAD demonstrates air-based capabilities during a demonstration in Sweden

The 5G COMPAD project held its Global Air-Based Demonstration on 8 October 2025 in Arboga, Sweden. Hosted by the project Coordinator and project partner, Saab, this was the final global 5G COMPAD demonstration.

The demonstration scenario tested how a temporary dispersed airbase can be quickly established and operated near an active conflict zone. During the exercise, returning surveillance aircraft offloaded critical mission data for real-time exploitation. By leveraging advanced 5G technologies, the operation significantly reduced aircraft turnaround times and accelerated the OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act). This ensured that information was transmitted, processed, and acted upon almost instantly, enabling faster decision-making and more agile mission execution.

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November 24, 2025

5G COMPAD Demonstrated Advanced Military Communication Capabilities in Germany

The 5G COMPAD project held a live demonstration showcasing advanced 5G technologies in a military environment on 17 September 2025 at the German Army Combat Training Centre in Letzlingen, Germany. The event focused on the interoperability of tactical radios and smartphones from different countries, seamless switching between public and military networks, integration into existing tactical systems, and secure operation even in GNSS-denied environments – situations where satellite navigation signals like GPS were unavailable or disrupted.

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October 6, 2025

5G COMPAD Holds Stakeholder Advisory Meeting and Local Demonstration in Italy

From January 28th to 30th, the 5G Communications for Peacekeeping and Defence (5G COMPAD) project partners convened in Genoa, Italy, for a Stakeholder Advisory Board meeting and a local demonstration. The event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from supporting Defence ministries, to discuss the project’s progress and future developments. The discussions and demonstration took place at the headquarters of Leonardo, one of the 5G COMPAD partners.

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February 26, 2025

5G COMPAD showcases several 5G network deployment scenarios in a Global Demonstration in Latvia

On October 17, 2024, in Riga, Latvia, the European Defence Fund project 5G COMPAD (5G Communications for Peacekeeping and Defence) held its first global demonstration, showcasing various 5G network deployment scenarios at sea, in the air, and on land. The demonstration was organized by 5G COMPAD consortium member LMT and took place at the military base “Daugavgrīva.”

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October 28, 2024

The 5G COMPAD project partners recently attended the DEFEA 2023 exhibition

The 5G COMPAD project partners recently attended the DEFEA 2023 exhibition where international companies showcased their land, naval, aerospace, and cyber security defence systems. Two of the project partners proudly displayed the 5G COMPAD project poster at their exhibition stand while SAAB presented the project at the “EDF Cross-Project Meeting”, highlighting its goals and challenges.

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May 29, 2023

European 5G leaders join forces with Europe’s defence industry in 5G COMPAD

In collaboration with EU-based 5G companies and researchers, the European Defense Fund (EDF) has just awarded a new project, 5G COMPAD – 5G Communications for Peacekeeping and Defence. The project aims to provide European defence forces with efficient and resilient multi-dimensional communication systems, with improved functionality and life cycle cost advantages over exisiting system.

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January 19, 2023

1-2nd December 2022
Kick Off
Stockholm, Sweden
The 5G COMPAD project was kicked-off on December 1st, 2022 during a meeting in Stockholm – Sweden, hosted by SAAB AB Coordinator of the project. The meeting brought together the entire project Consortium with the participation of the European Commission and the Member States representatives.

25 April 2024
Local demonstration
Stockholm, Sweden
The 5G COMPAD Consortium hosted a local demonstration for the project’s stakeholders in order to demonstrate the 5G capabilities, focusing on interconnected 5G tactical bubbles. The presentation and demonstration were hosted by Ericsson in its headquarters in Stockholm – Kista, Sweden.

14-16 June 2023
Plenary Meeting
Oulu, Finland
The 5G COMPAD Consortium held its first plenary meeting, inviting all contributors to discuss the next steps for taking the defined project use cases towards systems requirements. The three-day meeting was hosted by Bittium and took place in the company’s headquarters in Oulu, Finland.

17th October 2024
Global demonstration 1
Riga, Latvia
The 5G COMPAD Team held its first global demonstration, showcasing various 5G network deployment scenarios at sea, in the air, and on land. The demonstration was organized consortium member LMT and took place at the military base. During the demonstration, several innovative 5G network deployment options were presented.

30-31 January 2023
Stakeholders Advisory Board 1
Paris, France
The first Stakeholders Advisory Board, composed of a two-day workshop, was hosted by Thales and took place in the company’s facility in Paris, France. The project Consortium met with representatives from European Ministries of Defence (MoD) to discuss and agree on use cases to be developed within the scope of this initiative.

30-31 January 2024
Stakeholders Advisory Board 2
Bremen, Germany
The 5G COMPAD project Consortium held its second Stakeholders Advisory Board with representatives of the participating Member States MoDs. This meeting was the occasion to share the achievements of the 1st year and discuss the next steps for taking the project’s use cases towards the demonstration phase. The meeting was hosted by Rheinmetall Electronics and took place in the company’s headquarters in Bremen, Germany.

25-27th June 2024
Plenary Meeting and local demonstration
Budapest, Hungary
The 5G COMPAD Team met for a second plenary meeting in Budapest and a Stakeholders workshop involving MoDs representatives. The event, hosted by Nokia, included a local demonstration of a portable 5G bubble deployed outdoors, and showcased the benefits of radio on a drone, such as coverage and flexibility of operation. A 5G MCPTX was used to steer the team doing a drive test in the demo.

8 October 2025
Global Air-Based Demonstration
Arboga, Sweden
The 5G COMPAD Team held its final global demonstration, showcasing air-based 5G deployment capabilities. Hosted by consortium coordinator Saab, the event focused on rapidly establishing and operating a temporary dispersed airbase near an active conflict zone. Throughout the demonstration, returning surveillance aircraft offloaded critical mission data for immediate analysis, significantly accelerating the OODA loop and reducing aircraft turnaround times through advanced 5G technologies.

17 September 2025
Global Land Demonstration
Letzlingen, Germany
The 5G COMPAD Team conducted a major live demonstration of advanced 5G technologies in a military environment at the German Army Combat Training Centre. The demo was organised by partners Rheinmetall, SAAB, Thales, and Leonardo. The demonstration highlighted the interoperability of tactical radios and smartphones from multiple nations, the ability to switch seamlessly between public and military networks, and resilient operation in GNSS-denied environments. The event showcased mission-critical communications between the Headquarters (HQ) and Main Command Post (MCP) via satellite, as well as the federation of allied 5G infrastructures using a 3GPP-based architecture.

28–30 January 2025
Stakeholder Advisory Board Meeting & Local Demonstration
Genoa, Italy
5G COMPAD partners convened for the Stakeholder Advisory Board meeting combined with a local demonstration hosted by Leonardo. The event gathered project partners and representatives from supporting Defence ministries to review progress, including outcomes from the first Global Demonstration held in Riga in October 2024. Stakeholders discussed preliminary recommendations and preparations for the upcoming Global Demonstrations scheduled for later in 2025.