Nokia and blackned to create next-generation tactical networks for German Armed Forces

Conceptual image of the Battlesuite digital platform. (Rheinmetall )

Finland's Nokia and German software company blackned GmbH signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to create deployable tactical communication networks for the German Armed Forces, Nokia announced in a press release on 28 May.

The new communication systems will be designed to meet German requirements, but adaptable for other countries. The deal is intended to fuse blackned's defence management and communication software and Nokia's 5G technology.

The companies hope the collaboration will create an integrated platform for Rheinmetall's Battlesuite digital platform, tactical communication, and battle management system. German defence company Rheinmetall holds a 51% stake in blackned GmbH.

Rheinmetall presented Battlesuite at the Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association International (AFCEA) trade exhibition in late May. It is designed for networked military systems with real-time communication, layered cyber security, an open architecture for interoperability and future incorporation, and current integration of electronic warfare (EW)-resistant tactical radio systems capable of withstanding enemy EW, according to Rheinmetall.

The digital platform uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help collect, store, synchronise, and present data to other applications.

The platform is based on blackned's Tactical Core software. Tactical Core includes capabilities for integration and interoperability between different systems, according to blackned.

Rheinmetall said the Battlesuite digital platform allows all units on the battlefield to have access to the same information and use it for operational flexibility and resource planning.

Battlesuite, according to Rheinmetall, has the capability to connect manned with unmanned weapons systems. The company did not provide details on the weapons systems the digital platform is able to connect to.