Nations tap 5G for defense and cross-border emergency services

The role of mobile connectivity in Nordic and European defense and emergency response was highlighted across multiple events and announcements in Sweden this week – spanning an Ericsson launch, the Swedish Armed Forces and a gathering of multi-sector business leaders and foundations from across the Nordic region.

The Swedish Armed Forces, supported by the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV), announced that is to utilize 5G for military capabilities and communications.

In addition to tapping the nationwide network capabilities of its partner Telia – to which Ericsson is the infrastructure vendor - the Swedish Armed Forces 5G network can extend coverage at military bases, deploy temporary solutions in the field, including unit locations and emergency airbases, and utilize 5G equipment on military assets such as amphibious craft, frigates and transport aircraft. The new 5G capability will complement existing military communication systems.

The Swedish Armed Forces say utilizing advanced 5G connectivity is in line with the mandate that Sweden and Finland have been entrusted with by NATO to spearhead future military wireless communications under the NATO Innovation Range initiative.

The Swedish Government has tasked the armed forces with establishing an innovation platform for the development and evaluation of next-generation wireless networks – as part of NATO’s Rapid Adoption Action Plan.

Major General Mattias Hanson, Head of Cyber Defense, Swedish Armed Forces, says: “Sweden will not merely be a user of future communication technologies, we will be actively involved in developing them for the future defense of NATO members. We hold a unique position of strength, thanks to the world-leading telecommunications expertise found in the Nordic region. We are now combining this with the operational needs of the Swedish Armed Forces to accelerate the development of capabilities that strengthen both Sweden and our allies.”

Freddie Södergren, Head of Mission Critical Networks, Ericsson, says: “By integrating advanced 5G with AI and cloud-based services, we can more rapidly translate new technology into operational capability and enhance coordination between military and critical societal stakeholders.”

Attendees at the Swedish Armed Forces announcement witnessed a demonstration of Ericsson’s drone detection capabilities utilizing the Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) capabilities of 5G.

The demo follows Ericsson’s introduction of the new Ericsson Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) System – in which the mobile network can detect and track moving objects over wide areas, including those not connected to the network. Selected small-scale, sensing-only commercial pilots expected to begin in 2027, with wider scale sensing deployments expected to follow in 2028.

Secure Interoperable Cross-Border Communication

The role of 5G in critical communication was also highlighted by the European Commission in its September 30, 2026, proposal to establish a new EU Critical Communication System (EUCCS) for Europe’s emergency services.

Acknowledging that current national critical communication systems are not interlinked or technically compatible, the proposal highlights the ability of 5G to provide secure and resilient cross-border interoperable communication to police, firefighters, emergency medical services and other civil protection organizations across the 31 countries of the EU and Schengen areas.

Announced by EC President, Ursula von der Leyen, the proposed EUCCS will enable emergency services to share data, video, messages and geolocation in real-time through a single secure device.

“While being interconnected at European level, Member States will maintain full control over their national networks and over the governance of the new system, which will be ensured by a Member States’ expert group,” the European Commission says.

“When wildfires, floods, hybrid threats or terrorist attacks occur, first responders need to communicate and coordinate quickly across borders. The proposed EU Critical Communication System will (enable) Europe’s first responders to communicate and cooperate seamlessly across borders in real time, whenever and wherever needed,” it adds.

If adopted by the European Parliament and the European Council, the system is planned to be launched gradually, with Member States starting to connect from 2030. 

Nordic Compass

Technology, connectivity and defense were also agenda topics in Gothenburg on November 5, as the city hosted the inaugural Nordic Compass Summit.

Ericsson is a founding member of Nordic Compass – The Nordic Round Table for Industry. It was established in May 2026 to advance Nordic and European competitiveness and resilience.

Comprising more than 40 companies, foundations and organizations, Nordic Compass works with governments to advance competitiveness and resilience across four tracks: Capital Markets, Deep Tech, Defense and Energy.

The Gothenburg summit was opened by Finnish President Alexander Stubb and attended by more than 200 business leaders and politicians.

Jenny Lindqvist, Head of Ericsson’s Cloud Software and Services business area, participated in roundtable discussions alongside Nordic Compass counterparts.