Northrop Grumman has demonstrated its latest 5G-powered intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities at its new 5G laboratory in San Diego.
The trial validated the transmission of ISR data and videos to establish a digital battle network supporting modern warfare.
According to the company, the system can assist in quickly implementing future capabilities and shorten decision-making timelines in multi-domain operations.
5G for Joint-Domain Warfighters
During the event, the company’s tactical data links were integrated with Fujitsu’s Open Radio Access Network (RAN) and AT&T’s private 5G network.
“This critical capability will bring together the high speeds, low latency and cybersecurity protections of private 5G networks with the flexibility and scalability of commercial 5G capabilities,” Northrop Grumman Networked Information Solutions Vice President and General Manager Ben Davies explained.
“Enabling 5G connectivity for our warfighters across domains will help realize a connected battlespace for the joint force.”
Securing US Defense Connectivity
The demonstration builds the Northrop Grumman and AT&T research and development agreement signed in 2022.
The partnership aims to develop a scalable, cost-effective, and open architecture network solution to support flexible data connectivity across the US Department of Defense’s joint force.
“Our collaboration with Northrop Grumman and AT&T highlights the benefits of the ecosystem underpinning of Open RAN, enabling new configurations of mission-critical communications networks.” Fujitsu 5G Mobile Systems Senior Vice President Greg Manganello stated.
“This demonstration showcased the benefits of commercially available 5G for the Department of Defense and the open, standards-based technologies that we’re exploring and developing as leaders in the O-RAN Alliance,” AT&T Defense and Public Sector Executive Vice President Lance Spencer added.
