Nokia Defense and KNDS announce 5G connectivity deal for combat vehicles

Nokia Defense and KNDS announced a collaboration at the 2026 Eurosatory defense show in Villepinte, France, to deliver 5G connectivity for soldiers and unmanned vehicles operating beyond armored combat platforms.

The agreement integrates Nokia's Banshee Deployable Solution into the KNDS VBCI, an armored infantry fighting vehicle, according to a joint press release. The integration is designed to extend secure, high-speed connectivity from the vehicle to troops and robotic systems in the field.

Nokia Defense's deployable 5G technology is described as providing high capacity, low latency, and resilient connectivity intended to support situational awareness and mission coordination in areas where communications are limited or unavailable.

"Defense operations depend on reliable, real-time data wherever militaries operate. This collaboration with KNDS shows how high-performance connectivity can move with the mission," said Ari Kynäslahti, Head of Nokia Defense.

"Together with Nokia Defense, we are demonstrating how next-generation tactical communications can be fully integrated into our combat-proven VBCI and deployed where needed," said Nicolas Groult, CEO of KNDS France.

KNDS, formed from the alliance of Nexter and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, reported €4.4 billion in revenue in 2025 and an order backlog of €33.1 billion as of December 31, 2025. The company employs nearly 11,000 people and supplies equipment to more than 40 armies worldwide.

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