In a live maritime exercise, Ericsson, Leonardo, and the Italian Navy successfully deployed a fully self-contained 5G Standalone (SA) network aboard naval vessels operating in open waters.
The trial, conducted during the Italian Navy’s Operational Experimentation (OPEX) 2-25 in the Gulf of Taranto, demonstrated secure, real-time connectivity between warships during day and night maneuvers—marking a significant milestone for mission-critical 5G in defense environments.
This wasn’t a dockside proof-of-concept. It was a live, at-sea validation of 5G SA in a multi-domain operational scenario.
A Floating 5G Core
At the center of the trial was an end-to-end 5G Standalone network installed aboard the amphibious landing ship San Giorgio, which acted as the lead unit during the exercise.
The deployment included:
- Ericsson Ultra Compact Core
- Ericsson Massive MIMO Radio Access Network (RAN)
- Onboard 5G SA customer premises equipment (CPE) on the Multi-Purpose Combat Ship Raimondo Montecuccoli
Unlike non-standalone 5G, which relies on 4G infrastructure, 5G SA runs on a fully independent 5G core. That architecture enables ultra-low latency, network slicing, and more deterministic performance—capabilities that matter far more in military scenarios than in consumer streaming apps.
The result: a self-contained, shipborne 5G network capable of operating in open-sea conditions without terrestrial dependency.
Secure, Real-Time Combat Data
Connectivity alone isn’t the headline. Security and operational integration are.
Using Ericsson’s 5G SA platform alongside Leonardo’s NINE encryption system, the trial enabled secure exchange of both classified and unclassified information between naval units.
The network supported:
- Real-time situational awareness from the Combat Management System
- Video streams from 12 unmanned systems
- AI-processed feeds via Leonardo’s AI Brain platform
In practical terms, this means drones and unmanned platforms feeding live intelligence across vessels, processed and shared over a unified 5G backbone.
For modern naval operations—where unmanned systems, edge AI, and sensor fusion define tactical advantage—that level of integration is critical.
Why 5G at Sea?
Naval fleets traditionally rely on a mix of communication systems operating across various licensed and unlicensed frequency bands. These systems can introduce spectrum congestion, interference risks, and operational complexity.
The OPEX 2-25 exercise validated how a unified 5G SA network could optimize spectrum usage compared to fragmented standalone systems. By consolidating communications under a single architecture, fleets can reduce interference and simplify network management.
In essence, instead of stitching together radios, satellite links, and proprietary systems, 5G becomes the common digital fabric.
That shift aligns with broader defense modernization efforts globally, where armed forces are exploring dual-use commercial technologies to enhance flexibility and reduce lifecycle costs.
Italy’s Strategic Position—and 5G’s Role
Italy occupies a central Mediterranean position, with an exclusive economic zone spanning more than 500,000 square kilometers of sea. Maritime domain awareness is therefore not theoretical—it’s strategic.
By validating 5G SA in open-sea operations, the Italian Navy signals a move toward more software-defined, data-centric maritime capabilities.
This trial builds on prior collaboration. In 2024, Ericsson worked with the Italian Navy during NATO exercises, deploying an end-to-end 5G SA network at the Taranto naval base. The latest OPEX expands that footprint from land-based installations to mobile, sea-based operations.
The trajectory is clear: from base infrastructure to fleet-wide mobility.
The Defense-Tech Implications
The defense sector is increasingly experimenting with private 5G networks for:
- Smart bases and logistics
- Autonomous vehicle coordination
- Secure battlefield communications
- Multi-domain command and control
What makes this trial notable is its maritime execution. Open-sea environments introduce motion, atmospheric variability, and infrastructure isolation—conditions far less forgiving than fixed terrestrial installations.
Proving that a compact 5G core and Massive MIMO RAN can function effectively aboard moving vessels strengthens the case for 5G as a backbone for naval digital transformation.
It also positions Ericsson more firmly within the defense communications space, an area historically dominated by specialized military vendors.
Dual-Use 5G Moves Further Into Defense
The collaboration between Ericsson and Leonardo took shape under the EDF 5G COMPAD project, focused on advancing defense capabilities through commercial 5G technologies.
This reflects a growing trend: militaries leveraging commercial innovation cycles rather than building entirely bespoke systems. The commercial telecom ecosystem evolves faster—and often more cost-effectively—than traditional defense procurement timelines.
By adapting 5G SA for mission-critical maritime use, Ericsson and Leonardo demonstrate how commercial-grade infrastructure can meet military-grade requirements when hardened with encryption and security overlays.
What Comes Next?
The OPEX 2-25 trial involved additional ecosystem partners testing capabilities at sea, signaling broader experimentation within Italy’s Multi-Domain Operational Experimentation Committee framework.
The next logical step is scaling—from ship-to-ship trials to broader fleet integration and interoperability with allied forces.
As NATO members continue evaluating 5G for operational use, maritime validation becomes increasingly relevant. Sea-based operations demand resilient, high-throughput, secure networks capable of integrating drones, AI analytics, and command systems in real time.
This trial suggests that 5G Standalone is no longer confined to smart factories and urban deployments. It’s now proving itself in one of the most demanding connectivity environments on Earth.
For defense planners, the message is clear: the future fleet may sail on 5G.
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