Ericsson to evolve 5G for British defense

Ericsson will supply the U.K. Ministry of Defence with 5G technologies under an eight-year, £8 billion framework, providing drone detection, AI-powered network automation, and spectrum management for the Tactical Communication Systems program. Nadine Allen, Head of Ericsson U.K., said the deal supports the U.K.'s defense modernisation with secure, resilient communications.

Ericsson is to supply British defense forces with advanced 5G technologies. The Swedish giant will provide services and components for the U.K. Government’s Tactical Communication Systems framework, an eight-year, £8 billion $10.7 billion effort to deliver tailored communication and information systems to the U.K.'s Ministry of Defence MOD and other public bodies. As part of the contract, Ericsson will support 5G sensing for drone detection, AI-powered network automation, and advanced spectrum management techniques. The vendor highlighted high-bandwidth, low-latency, and strong connectivity to connect sensors, personnel, and platforms in real-time. According the vendor, this will support advanced applications including multi-domain command and control, unmanned systems and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance ISR . "Modern defense requires a new level of connectivity, where data-driven capabilities are essential for operational success. We are proud to bring our global leadership in 5G and mission-critical networks to support the U.K.'s defense modernisation. This framework allows us to work directly with the MOD to deliver secure, resilient, and future-proof communications that will serve as the foundation for the U.K.'s digital defence capabilities for years to come," said Nadine Allen, Head of Ericsson U.K. In Ericsson's most recent earnings call https://www.sdxcentral.com/news/ericsson-sales-drop-again-as-component-costs-and-network-pressure-bite/ , departing CEO Börje Ekholm noted "growth opportunities in mission-critical networks and different defense applications,” a common refrain in the vendor's recent financials. Its central European defense portfolio includes a 5G standalone 5G SA system for the Italian Navy, https://www.sdxcentral.com/news/ericsson-hits-the-high-seas-with-italian-navy-5g-deployment/ while in the U.S. it continues to expand its Ericsson Federal Technologies Group, an offshoot which specializes https://www.sdxcentral.com/news/ericssons-federal-arm-hires-fcc-vet-and-trump-fave-as-policy-wonk/ in 5G and 6G services for U.S. defense agencies.