Ericsson emphasised the strengths of advanced 5G technology for the defence sector as it got the nod as a supplier under the UK’s Tactical Communication Systems framework for public sector procurement.

The vendor explained it was selected under the sections covering services and components, noting the UK procurement vehicle had a budget of up to £8 billion over its eight-year span.

As a result of its selection, domestic authorities and military agencies are cleared to buy products from across the vendor’s range, including specific 5G offerings for mission critical uses.  

The UK government described the framework as providing it and other public sector organisations with a way to acquire specialised tactical communication and information systems.

Ericsson highlighted how the widely-publicised low latency and high bandwidth qualities of 5G could help armed forces in connecting sensors, personnel and platforms.

Potential applications listed span multi-domain command and control platforms, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems.

Head of Ericsson UK Nadine Allen said it is now able to work directly with the UK’s Ministry of Defence “to deliver secure, resilient and future-proof communications that will serve as the foundation for the UK’s digital defence capabilities for years to come”.

Ericsson and rival Nokia are actively pursuing the defence segment with 5G equipment.

Notable projects announced by the Swedish vendor earlier this year include a standalone 5G trial with specialist Leonardo and the Italian Navy.  

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