Nokia and NestAI develop AI-driven defense capabilities for denied environments

Nokia and NestAI have launched the first operational capabilities resulting from their ongoing collaboration, which focuses on integrating AI and 5G networking for defense purposes. The partnership follows a strategic investment and cooperation agreement established in late 2025.

As European defense forces face increasing challenges with communication disruptions, the companies are deploying technology designed to function in denied environments. By combining Nokia’s deployable 5G networks with NestAI’s mission-planning software, forces can maintain command and control over autonomous assets without reliance on fixed infrastructure.

Key features of the collaboration include AI-assisted mission planning, which incorporates network radio models to predict and mitigate coverage gaps during operations, and integrated sensing capabilities for earlier threat detection. These tools are being developed to meet NATO operational standards while aiming to foster greater European technological sovereignty.

Nokia Defense leadership emphasized that secure, resilient connectivity is a fundamental requirement for the effective deployment of AI in military field operations. The companies stated that the hardware and software are built to address specific scenarios such as electronic attacks and limited network access.