04 September 2025
Motorola Solutions and Nokia have announced a strategic partnership aimed at delivering a next-generation, containerised tactical communications network for UK defence agencies.
This innovative system combines Motorola’s deployable Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) infrastructure with Nokia’s advanced 5G AirScale technology, providing reliable and secure voice and data communication capabilities for front-line military operations. Housed within rugged, deployable containers, the system can be fully operational in under 30 minutes, enabling rapid deployment in diverse environments.
Motorola’s Silvus MANET technology forms the backbone of the network, offering resilient backhaul that extends connectivity across extensive geographical areas and varied operational terrains. The self-healing, scalable mesh network delivers high-throughput links between forward-deployed units and command centres, supporting long-range video sensors, uncrewed systems, and AI-enabled devices to enhance situational awareness and command and control.
Fergus Mayne, UK and Ireland country manager at Motorola Solutions, emphasised the importance of secure, resilient, and real-time connectivity for modern military operations. He highlighted that, through collaboration with Nokia, they are providing UK and European defence forces with powerful, next-generation communications to facilitate the rapid flow of critical information to the front lines. This solution builds on Motorola’s extensive experience in mission-critical land mobile radio and previous containerised network deployments, tailored to meet the evolving demands of modern defence.
Giuseppe Targia, head of Space and Defence at Nokia, underscored the flexibility of their private 4G and 5G solutions, which are designed to support the dynamic needs of defence operations. He noted that their technology enables secure, high-speed data, voice, and video connectivity, empowering military units to operate effectively even in the most challenging environments.
This collaboration follows Motorola’s 2021 deployment of containerised communications networks to the German Armed Forces, which are available in both mobile and stationary formats. These networks are interoperable with the communications systems of German Public Safety Organisations, NATO, and the EU, facilitating collaboration during crises or disaster relief efforts.
