Telia and LMT demonstrate rapid 5G connectivity for first-in forces at DiBaX 2026
Telia Finland demonstrated how first-in forces can be provided with secure, cross-border connections through a private slice in a public 5G network. The demonstration was a part of DiBaX 2026 (Digital Backbone eXperimentation), one of NATO's largest test events for new technology held annually in Latvia since 2022.
The exercise showed how the users were rapidly connected to a private 5G slice in LMT’s commercial 5G network while remaining anchored to a Telia private 5G core to create a controlled communications environment. Separate from the commercial network traffic, the users were granted secure access to the event test network and selected tactical applications.
The demonstration also included cross-border command and control data sharing between Latvia and Finland, showcasing how the established connectivity can facilitate the exchange of operational information across national boundaries. This capability supports coordination and interoperability between geographically distributed users and systems.
"We showed in practice how secure connections and services can be provided to first-in troops using commercial mobile networks while maintaining the security and control of a private 5G environment. The connections extend to cross-border use, and the connectivity can be established for command and control and information sharing as soon as operational activities start," says Jari Collin, Senior Vice President, Defence Customer Segment at Telia Finland.
”After 5 years as technical integrator and industry partner at DiBaX, this was the first time we took a 5G slice beyond national borders. Together with Telia Finland, we showed what cross-border military connectivity and mobility can look like in practice, and we see it as a major step forward for the Alliance”, says Salvis Skladovs, Head of LMT Defence.
Technology also for sensing operations
The 5G slice was also used for improving situational awareness and speeding up decision making with data produced by sensors and situational awareness aystems. An example of improving situational awareness is passive target detection with the help of 5G network infrastructure.
Situational awareness information was sent through Telia Finland's connections to Finnish situational awareness systems and the simultaneous NATO Innovation Range test event in Oulu, Finland. The technology can be used, for example, to quickly transmit drone observations to support decision-making.
"Participating in NATO-led testing cooperation is very valuable for us and Finland. We can bring our 5G expertise to joint exercises in which commercially used technology is integrated for defence use with the alliance's partners and defence companies," says Jari Collin.
DiBaX builds NATO's digital backbone At DiBaX, NATO, Alliance partners and companies in the field can test how technologies and systems work in real operational situations. At the heart of this year's event is the core of digitalisation: how the foundation formed by software, information networks and infrastructure enables force connections, information sharing and joint operations.
Find out more about DiBaX 2026
Pic credits: DiBaX