NATO’s Allied Command Transformation (ACCT) and Latvia have signed an agreement to host member states for an innovative 5G test bed for military-grade developing technologies, such as extended reality (XR).
It would test military defense technologies in Latvia as part of the effort. At the military base in Dai, both organizations will test the new immersive defense platform in October.
Following a successful founding in 2020, NATO’s newest military test bed will also introduce Europe’s first-ever emerging tech platform.
According to XR Today, the project will also enable Latvia to meet the technological and cybersecurity standards specified in its Cybersecurity Strategy 2023–2026.
Getting XR Ready for Launch
The debut comes after a five-day experiment between the Latvian Ministry of Defense and the Enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup in the Latvian Armed Forces in November of last year.
Military soldiers used various tools, 5G mobile networks, and virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (VR/AR/MR) technologies during the exercise.
By 2030, NATO also intends to undergo a digital transformation that will give the military alliance multi-domain missions and improved operational interoperability.
The organization also hopes to improve its situational awareness and make strategic decisions through data-driven discussions.
By utilizing 5G to construct its “military metaverse” of upcoming technologies, the military hopes to gain advantages. The testbed networks will decrease latency, improve wireless connectivity, and foster staff collaboration.
China Leads the World in 5G Readiness
Western military officials have reportedly started investing in China’s networking capabilities as a result of the country having “outpaced the [US] in the wireless 5G network market,” according to the source.
A news release from ACT stated that the occasion will “see the use of virtual and augmented reality, unmanned vehicles, sensors, and applications within a tactical 5G bubble.”
The statement stated, “ACT will show how NATO communication and information systems can benefit from 5G’s ability to provide ultra-reliable and low-latency connections.”
CEPA’s remarks on the Camp David Accord
The developments take place in the midst of the important Camp David Summit, when Joe Biden, President of the United States, met with his counterparts in South Korea and Japan, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and President Yoon Suk Yeol, respectively, to strengthen military ties to oppose China.
By invoking potential military applications and making use of its economic might, the Summit sought to limit China’s access to cutting-edge computing technologies.
According to the Centre for European Policy Analysis (CEPA)’s article, China has surpassed South Korea and Japan as the world’s greatest trading partner to date.
President Yoon continued, saying that the partnership should “evolve into a supply chain and future-oriented, innovative-technology alliance.”
According to him, this would result in the development of a “silicon shield” to support the US presence in the Southern Pacific.
Military Prepared for 5G, XR Testbeds by CESI
In June 2021, a team of contractors working under the joint venture developed testbed 5G networks at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Washington, USA, using virtual and augmented reality.
In three phases, CESI started working on the project, showcasing its potential for developing XR technologies for staff, military fighters, and officials.
Many US allies have also started ordering XR for their defense plans and procedures.
