Nokia Defense and NestAI Develop AI-Powered Solutions to Strengthen NATO Military Communications
Nokia Defense and NestAI are expanding their technology partnership to develop advanced artificial intelligence (AI)-powered communication and mission support capabilities designed for modern defense operations.
The collaboration marks the first operational solutions emerging from the partnership established alongside Nokia’s and Tesi’s €100 million joint investment in NestAI in November 2025. The initiative aims to help European defense forces adopt secure, resilient, and intelligent technologies to support NATO operational requirements.
As defense organizations increase investment in AI capabilities, one of the biggest challenges remains maintaining reliable communication in complex environments where traditional networks may be disrupted. Modern military operations increasingly require secure connectivity, real-time data sharing, advanced sensing, and AI-supported decision-making to operate effectively.
Building AI-Enabled Defense Communications
Nokia Defense, leveraging Nokia’s expertise in fixed, mobile, and transport networks, provides secure connectivity solutions designed for mission-critical environments.
NestAI, one of Europe’s emerging defense-focused AI companies, contributes its AI technologies, including NestOS, an adaptive operating system designed to support modern battlefield operations.
Together, the companies are developing solutions that combine AI capabilities with resilient communications infrastructure to support defense forces operating in challenging environments.
Three Key Capabilities Under Development
1. AI-Enabled Command and Control Through Deployable 5G Networks
The partnership combines Nokia’s deployable 5G network technology with NestAI’s NestOS platform to support advanced command-and-control operations.
The solution is designed to help defense forces maintain communication, coordinate autonomous systems, and reduce dependence on fixed communication infrastructure during missions.
By enabling flexible and rapidly deployable networks, military units can maintain connectivity even in changing operational conditions.
2. Mission Planning with Reliable Connectivity Support
The companies are integrating Nokia’s radio network planning capabilities into NestOS mission-planning tools.
This will allow defense teams to evaluate connectivity conditions, plan communication requirements, and adapt network strategies as missions evolve.
The capability aims to reduce communication gaps during fast-moving operations involving multiple domains, including land, air, and maritime environments.
3. Faster Threat Detection and Response
The partnership also combines Nokia’s Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC) technology with NestAI’s multi-sensor tracking capabilities.
This combination is designed to provide earlier threat awareness by helping operators identify potential risks faster and make more informed decisions, even in environments affected by electronic interference or limited connectivity.
Supporting NATO’s Future Defense Requirements
Modern defense forces face increasingly complex challenges, including disrupted communications, electronic warfare, and emerging drone-based threats.
The Nokia and NestAI collaboration focuses on developing European-controlled technologies that address these challenges while supporting NATO’s need for secure and dependable defense systems.
According to Nokia Defense, AI-driven military capabilities require more than advanced algorithms. They depend on strong communication networks capable of delivering secure and reliable information when and where it is needed.
Mikko Hautala, Chief Geopolitical & Government Relations Officer and Chairman of Nokia Defense, said that secure connectivity is essential for AI adoption in defense environments because AI systems must operate effectively even under difficult field conditions.
NestAI founder and Executive Chairman Peter Sarlin highlighted that many defense AI systems are designed around assumptions of stable connectivity and infrastructure, while real-world operations often involve disruption and uncertainty.
The partnership aims to address these challenges by creating AI-enabled defense solutions built around resilient networks, intelligent systems, and operational flexibility.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Nokia Defense and NestAI partnership about?
The partnership focuses on developing AI-powered military communication and operational solutions that improve connectivity, mission planning, and threat detection for defense forces.
2. What is Nokia Defense?
Nokia Defense is Nokia’s business unit focused on providing secure and resilient communication technologies for defense organizations, including mission-critical network solutions.
3. What role does artificial intelligence play in military communications?
AI can help defense organizations improve decision-making, automate processes, analyze information faster, support autonomous systems, and detect potential threats more effectively.
4. What are the main technologies being developed through the partnership?
The collaboration focuses on AI-enabled command and control, mission planning with connectivity support, and advanced threat detection using integrated sensing technologies.
5. What is deployable 5G technology?
Deployable 5G networks are portable communication systems that can be quickly installed in operational environments to provide secure connectivity without relying on permanent infrastructure.
6. What is NestOS?
NestOS is an AI-powered operating system developed by NestAI to support modern defense operations, including battlefield coordination and mission management.
7. How does AI improve defense threat detection?
AI can analyze information from multiple sensors, identify patterns, and help operators recognize potential threats earlier, allowing faster responses.
8. Why is secure connectivity important for defense AI systems?
AI systems depend on reliable access to data and communication networks. Without secure connectivity, AI-enabled tools may not function effectively during critical operations.
9. How does this partnership support NATO operations?
The collaboration develops technologies designed to meet NATO operational requirements by improving communication resilience, situational awareness, and mission effectiveness.
10. Are these technologies only designed for military use?
The solutions are primarily focused on defense applications, especially mission-critical communications and security operations. Similar technologies may also support other critical infrastructure environments requiring highly reliable networks.
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