Finnish 5G expertise made a leap – a successful testing experiment enables secure communications in defence operations across borders

Finland is home to globally-acknowledged 5G expertise. Telecommunications operators and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are also capable of responding to governmental stakeholders’ growing demands – whether it be with information exchange capacity, computational power, speed, or security.

An example of this is the inter-agency network VIRVE 2 built in close co-operation by Erillisverkot and Elisa based on high-performance 5G technology, which enables efficient and secure inter-authority co-operation.

And, at the initiative of the Finnish Defence Forces, Telia and Nokia have successfully simulated the communications requirements of a modern defence operation on a 5G network. For instance, service personnel on the move need a steady, secure, and information secure access to critical applications – also while in allies’ territory and between nations. The solution supports present-day and future defence operations in which forces must be able to communicate reliably and continuously beyond national borders in, for instance, joint operations with allies.

This technological breakthrough was achieved by means of Nokia’s 5G technology on Telia’s commercial network as part of a Nordic training exercise in March 2025. The testing experiment involved building a seamlessly-functioning mobile 5G network slice onto three nations’ commercial 5G networks that was then operated by an intelligent system. The system in turn ensured sustained information security and fluent operating under demanding conditions.

– This testing experiment marks a major landmark in enhancement of 5G dual-use opportunities in defence use and also in the extension of communications readiness necessary in the NATO area. We are satisfied with co-operation with Telia and Nokia in this programme and eager to examine new opportunities for integrating 5G as part of our activity, says Defence Command ACOS C5, Major General Jarmo Vähätiitto.

Using the most modern technology, the testing experiment enables secure 5G network slicing that serves both civilian and defence purposes. Improving the flexible resilience of defence operations and capability, this technology reinforces the Finnish Defence Forces’ readiness to operate in a rapidly changing world.

Next the Finnish Defence Forces will continue to utilise telecommunications operators’ mobile technology as part of command and control of military operations during, among other, the training exercises executed in the spring of 2025. The training exercises are part of a long-term development effort towards a solution which has field communications networks and commercial technologies form a seamless hybrid solution.