Spain’s Ministry of Defense will deploy the first tactical 5G network designed to operate in a real military environment at the Lešť base (Slovakia), where Spain leads NATO’s multinational Battlegroup.. This project will serve to evaluate how next-generation mobile networks can enhance communications, command and control, and secure data exchange in deployed operations.. The initiative, spearheaded by the Joint Cyber Command (MCCE), is part of NATO’s Pilot Project 5 (PP5), a program aimed at validating emerging technologies directly in the field. Unlike laboratories or test beds, the infrastructure will be integrated into a base where hundreds of military personnel from various allied countries operate on a permanent basis, allowing the network’s performance to be measured under real-world conditions.. The goal of the deployment is to have a private network capable of supporting low-latency communications, connecting a large number of devices, and maintaining service continuity even in scenarios involving electromagnetic interference or degradation of traditional communications. The infrastructure will facilitate information exchange between C5ISR systems, improve interoperability among participating countries, and enable the testing of new multi-domain command and control concepts.. The network will also serve as the foundation for integrating other technologies that are redefining the operational environment, such as drones, sensors, ground robots, anti-drone systems, and artificial intelligence, all connected via a single digital architecture. This approach makes connectivity as strategic an element as the military platform itself.. In recent years, Spain has established itself as one of the main drivers of this technology within NATO, with initiatives such as the 5G Cyber Defense Center developed in partnership with Telefónica and the testing of tactical bubbles capable of providing private connectivity on land, at sea, and in cyberspace.. In parallel, the Army has begun testing a portable 5G tactical network in Slovakia, developed by the Spanish company Atika, designed to deploy mobile coverage in a matter of minutes and provide secure connectivity to deployed units and autonomous systems. This capability complements the fixed infrastructure to be installed in Lešť and foreshadows the role that private 5G networks will play in supporting future digital operations.. For the digital infrastructure sector, the project represents a new use case for private 5G networks beyond industry or logistics. The experience NATO gains will serve to validate low-latency architectures, Edge computing, and resilient communications that can subsequently be transferred to other critical environments where network availability is essential.. This piece was automatically translated from DCD’s Spanish site and edited by a member of DCD staff.. More in Telecoms & 5G. 25 Feb 2026. 13 Jan 2026. 16 Feb 2026. More in Government & Military. 24 Mar 2026. 13 Jan 2026. 26 Jan 2026
