ISR Capabilities for the Joint Force
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC), AT&T and Fujitsu Network Communications recently demonstrated 5G-enabled ISR capabilities in NGC’s new 5G lab. The demonstration integrated radios with Northrop Grumman tactical data links, AT&T’s private 5G network and Fujitsu’s Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) to transmit ISR data and video, proving strength in connecting the battlespace. This is a critical step in building the digital battle network to support multi-domain operations.
“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,” explained Ben Davies, VP/GM for NGC’s Networked Information Solutions division. “Enabling 5G connectivity for our warfighters across domains will help realize a connected battlespace for the joint force”.
NGC and AT&T established a joint R&D agreement last year to build a digital battle network powered by AT&T’s commercial 5G network and Northrop Grumman’s robust portfolio of capabilities that are at the forefront of military technological advancement to enable the joint force. “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,” observed Lance Spencer, EVP Defense, Public Sector at AT&T.
The collaboration between the three organisations is designed to drive innovation at speed to deliver a cost-effective, scalable, open architecture solution for US DoD. This approach can enable rapid deployment of new capabilities and shorten the decision-making timeline in a multi-domain, contested environment – a key component in laying the foundation for Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2).
“Open RAN is accelerating 5G innovations to deliver high-speed, low-latency requirements for mission-critical applications,” added Greg Manganello, SVP and Vice Head, 5G Mobile Systems at Fujitsu. “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”.
