Telia Finland has showcased the potential of its 5G network slicing technology by enabling the remote operation of armored vehicles during military drills in Lapland. Far from being a playful expedition through snowy landscapes, this demonstration highlights how advanced connectivity is shaping the future of defence, a particularly sensitive topic for Finland given its geopolitical situation.
During the exercise, Telia equipped a Patria armored vehicle with remote control capabilities and operated it from a command centre located nearly 100 kilometres away. Thanks to a dedicated 5G network slice, the team was able to manage the vehicle securely, maintaining stability even at high speeds. The success of the test underlines how 5G slicing can deliver reliable, real-time control over long distances — a breakthrough that could transform military logistics and operations.
Janne Koistinen, who heads Telia Finland’s 5G program, noted that while 5G slicing has already driven significant change in industries like logistics, the defence sector is quickly emerging as a critical field for dual-use innovation in Europe’s security landscape.
This trial wasn’t Telia’s only recent defence-related project. Earlier in the month, Telia collaborated with Nokia and the Finnish Defence Forces on another pioneering test, which involved maintaining a seamless 5G SA network slice connection across three countries. Though the specific nations weren’t disclosed, all are part of Telia’s market footprint. The ability to sustain secure cross-border data links is seen as vital for modern military cooperation.
The Lapland tests were part of the eAlliance program, a Finnish-Norwegian initiative aimed at advancing digital solutions for civilian and defence use. Matti Saarikko, CTO of Patria, described the successful remote control of the armored vehicle as a major leap in developing unmanned systems for reconnaissance and combat support — a step especially significant for Finland’s national security.
