The Defense Communications Forum recently spotlighted the evolving convergence of 5G and non-terrestrial networks (NTN). Leaders from sectors including NATO and the US Army discussed the integration status and steps needed to advance from pilot stages to operational readiness.
Tom Stroup, SIA president, highlighted, “Non-terrestrial networks are now formally part of the 5G ecosystem, enabling coverage while terrestrial infrastructure alone cannot reach.” Establishing seamless interoperability, dynamic routing, and security is crucial. The transition from theoretical integration to practical deployment is underway, backed by maturing standards and actual deployments.
Recent shifts in the satellite industry’s work with 3GPP are instrumental. Amina Boubendir from Airbus Defense and Space emphasized the importance of standardization to achieve market scale and interoperability. With successive releases from 17 to the anticipated 6G, the focus is on evolving satellite player dynamics with standardization.
NATO’s push towards formalizing cellular communications for defense has been significant. John Stephenson of NATO HQ detailed the adoption under STANAG 5665, ensuring military adoption alongside legacy systems. This standardization supports readiness for 6G applications and interoperability on a multinational level.
Despite progress, technical challenges remain. Military applications, in particular, require addressing range, access, and maneuverability issues. Colonel Jeffrey Couillard shed light on how a fixed 5G node could limit troop mobility, indicating the need for alternative solutions in emergency plans. The industry recognizes GNSS vulnerabilities and works towards GNSS-resilient architectures, with encouragement from NATO-led standardization efforts.
Civilian applications parallel military needs. As highlighted by different leaders, scenarios range from disaster response to maritime operations. The integration of versatile systems capable of providing real-time situational awareness is expected to redefine operational capacities.
Security risks stand as a significant barrier to widespread adoption. The tactical use of 5G networks introduces concerns like rogue devices and the tracing of military operations. Advanced spectrum sharing and network slicing are potential responses to these vulnerabilities. The inherent open-standard structure of 5G invites continuous scrutiny and improvement by the community, promising enhanced security mechanisms over time.
The path forward includes strengthening interoperability, enhancing communication resilience, and maintaining security. Resilient communications are achieved by expanding connectivity across multiple orbits and developing standardized solutions for critical applications. The merging of 5G and NTN paves the way for significant advancements across both military and civilian spectra, strengthening global communication capabilities.
