Lockheed Martin Demos 5G Tactical Mesh Network in Multi-Domain Environment

Lockheed Martin, in collaboration with leading commercial technology companies, showcased its Hybrid 5G-Tactical Mesh Network in a live multi-domain environment, for the first time.

This demonstration marks an advancement in ensuring seamless access to critical information for the Department of Defense (DOD).

The 5G.MIL Unified Network Solutions (UNS) were put to the test across numerous mission simulations, confirming their stability and suitability for deployment in Joint All-Domain Operations (JADO) and Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2). The tactical mesh network, along with Lockheed Martin's AI Factory machine learning operations platform, played a pivotal role in deploying these AI-based capabilities.

Key takeaways from the demonstration include the successful showcasing of the 5G.MIL UNS as a hybrid network encompassing land, air, and space domains. It achieved a fully functional prototype status, reaching a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6+. The network was equipped with five hybrid base stations, incorporating 5G technology, tactical datalinks, and space backhaul. Fifteen distinct capabilities were highlighted, addressing aspects such as interoperability, resilience, security, and operational efficiency. The exercise provided a stress test, verifying the maturity and resilience of the hybrid network in a mission-relevant scenario.

The collaboration with commercial technology leaders, including Intel, Verizon, Microsoft, Juniper Networks, Keysight, and Radisys, enabled Lockheed Martin to harness advanced commercially available technologies tailored for military applications.

As for what's next, the lessons learned from the field demonstration will be incorporated into Lockheed Martin's 5G.MIL UNS, with the company continuing its collaboration with commercial partners to achieve an Initial Operating Capability (IOC) in 2024.