The Norwegian Armed Forces are testing a new communications solution based on Google Pixel smartphones. Early results are promising: easier operation, a lower training threshold, and better coordination – both in the field and across units.
The Armed Forces are currently testing smartphones as part of the future of military communications. The solution has been developed in cooperation with civilian partners and was seriously put to the test during Exercise Cold Response 26.
With today’s security environment and an increased focus on total defence, the Armed Forces have a growing need for secure communication. The new solution could become a more accessible and user-friendly tool for military communications.
– This could become the new internal communications system of the Norwegian Armed Forces, says Sindre Føllesdal, Product Owner in Team 5G at the CIS Regiment of the Cyber Defence Force. The team is part of Mime, a programme run by the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency aimed at modernising ICT systems for tactical command and control in the Armed Forces.
Familiar Technology – Lower Threshold
A major advantage is that the technology is already familiar to most users. In cooperation with Google, the Armed Forces have developed a dedicated military solution using the Google Pixel 10.
– We are among the first in the world with this type of cooperation, and several other countries are following developments closely, including Finland and Sweden, says Føllesdal.
By adopting devices similar to those found on the civilian market, the solution becomes easier to implement, even for units with limited experience of advanced communications systems.
– In the long term, the goal is for one single device to be used in the office, privately, and in the field – with the necessary security levels in place, says Føllesdal.
Tested in the Field
The Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) has also developed mounts for attaching the devices to combat vests. These are 3D-printed and provide soldiers with an easily accessible navigation and collaboration tool.
Emanuel Rygg from FFI is part of Team 5G and explains that the solution was tested during Cold Response, while the Home Guard will continue testing throughout the year.
– Feedback indicates that the system works well in practice and is easy to integrate with existing equipment such as combat vests and hearing protection, says Rygg.
Security and Control
But what about security when using civilian technology from a major American company such as Google?
– Security is very well safeguarded. Yes, the underlying technology is American, but we add our own technology on top of it and have full control over the apps we use, says Føllesdal.
In cooperation with Norwegian mobile network operators, network slicing solutions have been implemented. This ensures that all traffic to and from the Pixel phone never passes through the public internet, but goes directly to the Armed Forces.
With the solution, users can send text, voice, images, and video, as well as share positions directly on digital maps – essentially much of what civilians already do with their phones.
Cooperation with Civilian Partners
The project has been developed in cooperation with both technology companies and mobile network operators. It is an example of how civil-military cooperation can deliver faster development and lower costs than traditional solutions. The technology could also be used by other total defence actors, such as the police and emergency services.
From 2025 to 2026, the project has progressed from testing to a solution approaching operational readiness.
– We are well on our way and have gained a great deal of valuable experience during Cold Response. The threshold has been lowered by using something that can be bought, for example, at an electronics retailer such as Elkjøp.
Experience and Opportunities
Experience from the tests so far has been positive:
* Stable solution
* Easy to use
* Rapid sharing of information
This could improve situational awareness, for example, by allowing live drone imagery to be shared with multiple users – not only the drone operator.
The solution can use several types of networks, depending on the situation:
* Mobile networks (5G)
* Satellite (Starlink)
* Dedicated transmitters and radio networks
*** Credits ***
This article is republished from forsvaret.no, it is written by Anders Fjellestad | photos by Magnus Horne, Forsvaret)