In a move that blends cutting-edge technology with military innovation, Nokia and blackned GmbH, a subsidiary of the German defense giant Rheinmetall, have teamed up to create a new battlefield network for German forces. This collaboration brings together Nokia’s advanced 5G technology and blackned’s software-based systems to deliver a secure, high-performance communication network tailored for troops operating in the field. The system is built to be fast, mobile, and ready for quick deployment, addressing the demands of modern warfare where staying connected can determine the outcome of complex operations.
The purpose of this new network is clear: it aims to improve situational awareness, accelerate decision-making, and ensure that military units remain linked across sprawling and challenging environments. Modern conflicts often unfold over vast distances and rugged landscapes, where traditional communication setups either don’t exist or can’t keep up. This partnership tackles that problem by designing a system that can be set up rapidly, even in tough terrain, and still perform reliably under pressure. It’s about giving soldiers real-time access to the information they need, when they need it, so they can respond faster and more effectively to whatever the battlefield throws at them.
What makes this network stand out is how it integrates with Rheinmetall’s Battlesuit platform. Rheinmetall, a major name in the defense industry, has developed Battlesuit as a suite of technologies to enhance soldier performance and protection. By connecting to this platform, the Nokia-blackned system can share data seamlessly with other tools like sensors, drones, or command centers. This creates a more unified operational setup, where communication isn’t just a standalone feature but part of a broader, interconnected system. It’s a practical example of Germany’s ongoing shift toward software-defined defense—a strategy that leans on flexible, software-driven solutions rather than relying solely on physical equipment. This network fits that vision perfectly, offering a adaptable framework that can evolve with military needs.
Though the exact cost of the deal hasn’t been made public, Nokia has pointed out that the system is designed to scale. That means it’s not just a one-off solution for German forces; it has the potential to grow, possibly serving other countries or even finding uses outside the military down the line. Timo Zaiser, blackned’s Chief Technology Officer, captured the essence of this effort when he said, “blackned is dedicated to advancing innovation in defense digitalization, and our agreement with Nokia represents an important milestone in that mission. Together, we will provide powerful, flexible, and future-ready tactical network solutions built for the realities of modern defense.” His words reflect the forward-thinking ambition behind this project—a push to modernize how militaries communicate in an era where technology can shift the balance of power.
blackned is dedicated to advancing innovation in defense digitalization, and our agreement with Nokia represents an important milestone in that mission. Together, we will provide powerful, flexible, and future-ready tactical network solutions built for the realities of modern defense
Timo Zaiser, CTO at blackned GmbH
In a rapidly evolving tactical environment, speed, mobility, and adaptability are paramount. Through the partnership with blackned, our 5G technology will empower defense forces to deploy robust communication capabilities swiftly and share intelligence more effectively, providing our customers with a decisive advantage on the battlefield
Giuseppe Targia, Head of Space and Defense at Nokia
Nokia brings a lot to the table here, and its role in this partnership builds on a track record that’s been quietly shifting away from its old reputation. Once the go-to name for cell phones, the Finnish company has refocused its expertise on 4G/5G and IP technologies, adapting them for demanding sectors like defense. This isn’t their first foray into military applications, either. Back in March, Nokia teamed up with Lockheed Martin and Verizon to demonstrate how commercial 5G can work on the battlefield. They plugged Nokia’s hardened 5G network into Lockheed’s tactical base station setup, designed specifically for military use, and showed that devices could stay connected while switching between different signal types. For troops constantly on the move, that kind of uninterrupted link could be a game-changer, keeping them in touch with their units and command no matter where they are.
That earlier demo sheds light on what Nokia is aiming for with blackned. Speed, mobility, and adaptability are the core ideas driving this technology, as Giuseppe Targia, Nokia’s Head of Space and Defense, explained: “In a rapidly evolving tactical environment, speed, mobility, and adaptability are paramount. Through the partnership with blackned, our 5G technology will empower defense forces to deploy robust communication capabilities swiftly and share intelligence more effectively, providing our customers with a decisive advantage on the battlefield.” His point is straightforward—wars today move fast, and the ability to set up a strong communication network quickly, then use it to share critical data, can give forces the edge they need to stay ahead.
The system’s design reflects the real-world challenges soldiers face. It’s built for rapid deployment, meaning it can be rolled out in the field without delay, whether that’s in a remote mountain range or a dense urban zone. It’s also made to handle tough conditions, ensuring it doesn’t falter when the going gets rough. That practicality is key, because military operations don’t wait for perfect circumstances—communication has to work wherever and whenever it’s needed. By combining Nokia’s 5G strengths with blackned’s software expertise, this network promises to deliver that reliability in a package that’s both powerful and flexible.
This collaboration between Nokia and blackned is more than just a tech upgrade; it’s a glimpse into the future of military operations. As warfare becomes more complex and spread out, the need for dependable, adaptable communication systems grows. Germany’s investment in this project, through its alignment with software-defined defense, shows a commitment to staying ahead of that curve. And with the system’s scalability, what starts as a solution for German forces could eventually ripple out to others, reshaping how militaries around the world stay connected.
In the end, this partnership is about equipping troops with the tools to handle the chaos of the battlefield. It’s a network that lets them see more, decide faster, and work together better, all while standing up to the harshest conditions. Nokia and blackned have taken their respective skills—5G innovation and defense software—and turned them into something that could redefine how modern forces operate, starting with Germany and potentially reaching far beyond.
About Nokia
Nokia creates technology that helps the world act together.
As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.
With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.
About blackned
Since its foundation in 2009, blackned GmbH has specialised in the development of software-based defence solutions. With the tactical middleware RIDUX and the management system XONITOR, the company forms the core of an advanced architecture for the digitalisation of land forces. As the technical foundation of the Rheinmetall Battelsuite, the TACTICAL CORE digital ecosystem provides a future-proof and open framework for implementing digitalisation projects within NATO armed forces.
blackned GmbH has been developing and realising customised, mission-critical communications solutions in the field of highly mobile, deployable networks for 15 years. With now six locations and over 200 employees worldwide, blackned is a leader in the industry. Since 2025, the Düsseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall has been the majority shareholder of the company. The company’s expertise and commitment enable the development of innovative solutions that meet the requirements of modern armed forces and drive digital transformation.