Defense & Military
Skydweller and Nokia Develop Airborne Beyond 5G Hub for Navy
Skydweller Aero and Nokia Federal Solutions partner to create a solar-powered airborne Beyond 5G communication hub for U.S. Navy tactical networks.
Skydweller and Nokia Land Navy Contract to Forge the Future of Airborne 5G
In a significant move to enhance tactical communications, the U.S. Navy has awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract to Skydweller Aero and Nokia Federal Solutions. Announced on October 29, 2025, this partnership aims to develop and demonstrate a revolutionary airborne “Beyond 5G” communication hub. The project, titled “Intelligent Radio Access Network for Beyond 5G Resilient Tactical Networks,” will see a solar-powered, autonomous aircraft transformed into a persistent, flying network node. This initiative represents a critical step forward in modernizing military communications, promising to deliver secure, low-latency connectivity in environments where traditional infrastructure is either non-existent or has been compromised.
The core of this project lies in the integration of two cutting-edge technologies: Skydweller’s Perpetual Flight® Aircraft and Nokia Federal’s Banshee Flex Radio. Skydweller’s platform is an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for extreme endurance, capable of staying airborne for 90 days or more by harnessing solar power. This capability for “perpetual flight” offers unprecedented persistence for surveillance and communications missions. Paired with Nokia’s ruggedized, tactical 5G “Network-in-a-Box,” the system is designed to create a resilient and rapidly deployable communications umbrella for forces operating in remote or contested areas. The collaboration is set to redefine the possibilities of airborne connectivity for defense applications.
This initiative directly supports the U.S. Department of Defense’s evolving operational doctrines. It aligns with the Navy’s Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO) concept, which focuses on dispersing naval forces to increase survivability and lethality. Furthermore, it contributes to the broader Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) initiative, a DoD-wide effort to create a unified network connecting sensors and systems across all military branches. By providing a persistent, high-bandwidth link, this airborne 5G hub can serve as a vital node in this interconnected web, enabling faster, more informed decision-making on the battlefield.
The Technology Driving a New Era of Connectivity
At the heart of this ambitious project is Skydweller Aero’s remarkable solar-powered aircraft. Based on the record-breaking Solar Impulse 2 design, this autonomous vehicle is a feat of modern aerospace engineering. Constructed from lightweight carbon fiber and boasting a wingspan comparable to a Boeing 747, the aircraft is designed to carry up to 800 pounds of mission-specific payloads. Its ability to remain aloft for 30 to 90 days, or even longer, is its defining feature, offering a level of persistence that traditional, fuel-dependent aircraft cannot match. This extreme endurance is made possible by a vast array of solar cells covering its surfaces, providing a zero-carbon-footprint solution with virtually unlimited range.
The aircraft’s capabilities have already been put to the test. In July 2025, Skydweller, in collaboration with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), successfully completed a series of multi-day unmanned flights. One of these missions saw the aircraft remain airborne for an impressive 74 hours, providing a powerful demonstration of its long-endurance potential. This proven performance is a key reason why the platform was selected for such a critical communications role. By serving as a stable, high-altitude platform, the Skydweller aircraft can provide a consistent and reliable line-of-sight for communication signals over a vast area.
Complementing the aerial platform is Nokia Federal Solutions’ Banshee Flex Radio. This system is a complete 5G/LTE “network-in-a-box,” specifically engineered for the harsh realities of modern warfare. It is a ruggedized, secure, and private wireless networking solution that includes advanced edge computing capabilities. The Banshee Flex Radio is designed to be deployed in tactical situations where conventional communication infrastructure is unavailable or has been denied by an adversary. By mounting this system on the Skydweller aircraft, the project aims to create a mobile, self-contained 5G hub that can provide secure and reliable connectivity to both manned and unmanned systems on the ground, at sea, or in the air.
“This program demonstrates how Skydweller’s autonomous aircraft can deliver faster, more flexible connectivity while reducing cost and complexity,” Robert Miller, CEO of Skydweller Aero
Strategic Implications for Modern Warfare
The development of an airborne, persistent 5G hub has profound strategic implications, particularly for the U.S. Navy’s Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO) concept. DMO is a strategy designed to counter peer adversaries who possess advanced anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities. The core principle of DMO is to disperse naval assets over a wide geographical area, making them more difficult for an enemy to detect and target. However, this dispersal creates a significant challenge: maintaining robust and reliable communication links between these scattered forces. A resilient network is essential to coordinate their actions and concentrate their firepower when needed.
The Skydweller-Nokia solution directly addresses this critical need. By creating a persistent communication node in the sky, it can connect dispersed assets without relying on vulnerable satellite or terrestrial infrastructure. This airborne hub can provide the high-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity required to link ships, aircraft, and unmanned systems, enabling them to share real-time data and maintain a common operating picture. This capability is a key enabler for the DMO concept, allowing the Navy to operate effectively in contested maritime environments.
Beyond the maritime domain, this project is a practical application of the Department of Defense’s overarching Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) initiative. CJADC2 seeks to create a seamless network that connects all sensors and systems from every branch of the military and key international partners. The goal is to achieve information dominance, allowing commanders to make faster and better decisions than their adversaries. The airborne 5G hub serves as a powerful all-domain network node, capable of linking disparate forces across the sea, air, land, and space. As the DoD’s 2020 5G Strategy Implementation Plan noted, 5G capabilities are expected to become the foundation for a new, networked approach to warfare.
A Glimpse into the Future of Military Operations
The successful demonstration of this airborne “Beyond 5G” hub could pave the way for a new paradigm in military communications and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). The ability to deploy a persistent, high-altitude communications platform at a fraction of the cost of conventional aircraft or satellites offers significant advantages. It reduces the logistical burden and risk associated with deploying and protecting high-value assets, while providing a flexible and adaptable solution that can be tailored to specific mission requirements. This technology could be a game-changer for a wide range of military operations, from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to high-intensity conflict.
Looking ahead, the integration of advanced technologies like AI and machine learning with these persistent airborne platforms could unlock even greater capabilities. An autonomous aircraft that can stay on station for months at a time could serve as a platform for a wide array of sensors and processing capabilities, providing continuous ISR coverage and acting as an intelligent node in a larger network. The partnership between Skydweller Aero and Nokia Federal Solutions is not just about creating a new piece of hardware; it’s about building the foundation for a more connected, resilient, and intelligent fighting force.
FAQ
Question: What is the main goal of the Skydweller and Nokia Navy contract?
Answer: The primary goal is to demonstrate an airborne “Beyond 5G” communication hub hosted on a solar-powered, autonomous aircraft to provide secure and resilient tactical networks for the U.S. Navy in areas with limited or no infrastructure.
Question: What makes the Skydweller aircraft unique?
Answer: The Skydweller aircraft is unique due to its “perpetual flight” capability. It is a solar-powered, uncrewed aircraft designed to stay airborne for 30-90 days or more, carrying payloads of up to 800 pounds, offering unprecedented persistence for missions.
Question: How does this project support U.S. military strategy?
Answer: The project directly supports the Navy’s Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO) by providing a resilient network to connect dispersed forces. It also aligns with the broader Department of Defense’s Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) initiative to create a unified military network.
Sources
Military Technology
Saab Demonstrates Autonomous BVR AI Agents on Gripen E
Saab unveiled in-house AI agents for autonomous BVR air combat on the Gripen E after two years of flight testing.
Saab AB has successfully demonstrated autonomous Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air combat capabilities using proprietary artificial intelligence agents integrated into a Gripen E fighter aircraft. The Swedish aerospace manufacturer officially unveiled the in-house technology on November 3, 2026, following approximately two years of airborne testing.
In a press release issued today, Saab confirmed the flight trials mark a critical step toward developing collaborative combat aircraft networks, where crewed and uncrewed systems operate as a coordinated force. The milestone underscores the company’s strategy to maintain sovereign control over its technology stack rather than relying entirely on external software providers.
Sovereign AI development and the Sferical facility
Saab centralized its artificial intelligence development under the AI Fighter Pilot Academy (AIFPA), an infrastructure designed to create, train, and evaluate AI agents. The department driving this initiative, Saab Advanced Programs, features a workforce where 40 percent of the staff hold doctorate-level qualifications, according to Aviation International News.
Peter Nilsson, Head of Advanced Programs at Saab Aeronautics, emphasized the operational focus of the project.
“We have not only built our own AI agents, but we have also flown them. This demonstrates our capability to develop AI agents that can be integrated into operational fighter aircraft. The future of air combat will not be defined by individual platforms acting alone, but by networks of crewed and uncrewed systems working together as a coordinated force. Through our ownership of the entire technology stack, we are building the capabilities needed for that future.”
To support this development, Saab recently implemented the Sferical AI facility in Linköping, Sweden. Part-owned by Saab, Ericsson, and AstraZeneca, the sovereign computing asset utilizes Nvidia’s DGX SuperPOD architecture. Aviation International News reported that the facility is powered by 1,152 Nvidia Grace Blackwell GB300 graphics processing units. This computing power allows Saab to run a one-hour flight test simulation one billion times in the same period, compared to just 1,200 times in a traditional central processing unit environment.
Speaking to Breaking Defense, Nilsson outlined the primary challenge facing the AIFPA following the successful flight trials.
“The harder question is how we turn this success into a dependable capability that can learn, improve, and be relevant over time… that is the true purpose of the AI Fighter Pilot Academy.”
Gripen E architecture and testing timeline
Saab, which employs approximately 31,000 people globally, utilized the Gripen E as the primary testbed for its AI agents. The aircraft features a software-defined architecture that segregates mission software from flight-critical functions. This separation enables the rapid integration and testing of new technologies without requiring dedicated experimental platforms or compromising safety of flight.
Prior to unveiling its in-house agents, Saab collaborated with third-party developers to validate the aircraft’s autonomous potential. On May 28, 2025, a Gripen E trials aircraft flew for the first time with the Centaur AI agent developed by Helsing, demonstrating initial BVR air combat capabilities.
Following these third-party trials, Saab transitioned to testing its proprietary agents. The company briefed journalists on the readiness of its in-house AI agents for operational deployment on October 30, 2026, before the official public unveiling on November 3, 2026.
Collaborative combat and future integration
The integration of artificial intelligence into combat aircraft aligns with a broader industry shift toward Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) concepts. Defence contractors globally are developing networks where crewed fighters command uncrewed loyal wingman platforms.
Saab is actively testing the sensor networks required for these collaborative operations. On October 28, 2026, Saab and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) successfully flight-tested an unmanned airborne early warning (AEW) capability, integrating Saab’s LoyalEye radar with an MQ-9B unmanned UAV.
Looking ahead, Saab anticipates that the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and the Swedish Air Force will absorb these AI agents into real-world operations within months or single digits of years, according to Aviation International News. In the interim, Saab plans to expand the capabilities of its agents by flying them in a broader range of scenarios, establishing the foundation for future uncrewed platforms.
AirPro News analysis
Saab’s insistence on sovereign, in-house artificial intelligence development contrasts with competitors who heavily outsource to commercial technology firms. By owning the entire technology stack, Saab positions itself to offer highly secure, exportable AI packages free from third-party licensing bottlenecks or foreign regulatory hurdles. The massive investment in the Sferical AI facility indicates we are seeing a shift from experimental AI flight tests to industrialized, mass-scale tactical training for autonomous systems. If Saab can deliver on its timeline for Swedish Air Forces integration, the Gripen E could become one of the first Western fighters to field operational, combat-ready AI agents in frontline service.
Defense & Military
Greece Orders Up to Six Embraer KC-390 Millennium Aircraft
Greece signed a government-to-government deal with Portugal for up to six KC-390 Millennium aircraft, with first delivery in 2027.
The Hellenic Ministry of National Defense has signed a government-to-government agreement with Portugal to acquire up to six Embraer KC-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft, making Greece the seventh European nation to select the Brazilian-built tactical airlifter.
Announced by Embraer in a press release on November 2, 2026, the contract includes three firm orders and options for three additional aircraft, with the first delivery to the Hellenic Air Force scheduled for 2027. The acquisition aims to modernize Greece’s airlift and air-to-air refueling capabilities while enhancing interoperability with allied North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces.
Expanding the European footprint
The procurement is structured as a bilateral agreement between the governments of Greece and Portugal. By selecting the KC-390 Millennium, Greece joins a growing list of NATO and European Union member states transitioning to the jet-powered transport to replace legacy turboprop fleets.
Embraer views the Greek acquisition as a validation of the aircraft’s utility within the European defense architecture, where interoperability and multi-role flexibility are primary requirements for fleet modernization.
“We are honored by Greece’s decision to acquire the KC-390 Millennium. This choice underscores the trust and confidence that leading NATO members place in our aircraft,” Bosco Da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, said in the company statement. “This very important milestone further solidifies the aircraft’s position as a preferred solution for military airlift among NATO allies.”
Da Costa Junior added that the aircraft’s proven performance, reliability, and cost efficiency make it an ideal choice for nations seeking to enhance their operational capabilities.
The KC-390’s development and market position
The Embraer C-390 and KC-390 Millennium is a medium-size, twin-engine jet-powered military transport aircraft designed to perform aerial refueling, troop transport, and cargo airlift. Development of the platform began in the mid-2000s. The Brazilian Air Force formally joined the project in 2009 by awarding a development contract to Embraer, a manufacturer with over 55 years of history and more than 9,000 aircraft delivered worldwide.
The aircraft completed its maiden flight in 2015, achieved civil certification in 2018, and entered military operational service in September 2019. It was developed specifically as a modern, jet-powered alternative to legacy turboprop tactical transports like the Lockheed C-130 Hercules.
Greece is the seventh European nation to select the aircraft, joining Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Sweden. Outside of Europe, the aircraft has been acquired by the air forces of Brazil, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Colombia.
The program has seen significant momentum in recent months. On July 8, 2026, the Czech Air Force received its first C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, which featured a special three-tone gray camouflage designed by the Military History Institute in Prague. Shortly after, on July 23, 2026, Colombia signed a contract for two KC-390 Millennium transports, with one configured as a tanker to support its incoming Gripen fighter fleet.
AirPro News analysis
Embraer’s success in Europe with the KC-390 Millennium highlights a definitive shift in the tactical airlift market. For decades, the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules dominated this space. The KC-390’s jet-powered speed, payload capacity, and multi-mission flexibility have proven highly attractive to medium-sized NATO air forces looking to modernize. Securing Greece, a nation with stringent defense requirements and a focus on regional interoperability, validates Embraer’s strategy of leveraging early European adopters like Portugal to facilitate government-to-government sales. We expect this momentum to place increasing pressure on competing legacy platforms in upcoming recapitalization bids across the globe.
Defense & Military
US Army HADES Prototype ME-11B Completes First Flight
The U.S. Army’s first HADES prototype, a modified Bombardier Global 6500, completed its maiden flight on September 11, 2026.
The U.S. Army’s first High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) prototype completed its maiden flight on September 11, 2026, marking a critical milestone in the service’s transition from legacy turboprops to high-altitude jet intelligence platforms.
In a press release issued on October 30, 2026, the U.S. Army confirmed the flight followed extensive structural modifications by lead systems integrator Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) to convert a Bombardier Global 6500 business jet into a military sensor platform. The program aims to provide commanders with deep sensing capabilities to operate effectively in contested environments against advanced anti-access and area denial (A2/AD) threats.
Transitioning to deep sensing capabilities
The maiden flight represents the transition of the HADES program from the structural modification phase into mission system integration and developmental flight testing. Prior to the September 11 flight, engineers and test pilots completed structural modifications, installed mission system hardware, and conducted preliminary baseline airworthiness verification at SNC facilities, likely in Hagerstown, Maryland.
The U.S. Army is actively divesting its legacy turboprop intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) fleet, which includes platforms such as the RC-12X Guardrail and MC-12S EMARSS. These older aircraft are being replaced by high-altitude jets capable of operating further from advanced A2/AD threats. Business jets like the Bombardier Global 6500 offer operational altitudes exceeding 50,000 feet and speeds around Mach 0.9, allowing onboard sensors to achieve greater line-of-sight over the horizon compared to lower-flying turboprops.
Lt. Col. (P) James Hickey, Project Manager for the U.S. Army Fixed Wing Project Office, emphasized the operational necessity of the new platform.
“The first flight of HADES Prototype 1 transitions our vision for deep sensing from concept to reality. Deep sensing is critical to maintaining decision advantage in the future fight. HADES will help commanders see farther, understand faster, and act with greater precision across the multi-domain battlefield.”
Program timeline and fleet development
The HADES platform is a core component of the Army’s broader Multi-Domain Sensing System (MDSS) initiative. The U.S. Army Fixed Wing Project Office, alongside the Project Director Sensors–Aerial Intelligence, manages the procurement and lifecycle of the asset.
Sierra Nevada Corporation was awarded the lead systems integrator contract for the HADES program in August 2024, a deal with a reported ceiling value of $991.3 million. The contract faced a brief suspension due to a protest by competitor L3Harris before proceeding. Bombardier subsequently delivered the first Global 6500 airframe to the U.S. Army in Wichita, Kansas, on November 25, 2024.
The U.S. Army officially designated the militarized Global 6500 as the ME-11B in early 2025. Fleet expansion has continued steadily since the initial delivery. On January 13, 2026, SNC announced the acquisition of a fourth Global 6500, intended to serve as the first non-prototype aircraft in the operational fleet.
Despite the hardware progress, the final acquisition objective for the HADES fleet remains unconfirmed by the U.S. Army. A January 2026 Request for Information outlined a fleet of 11 aircraft with an objective of 14. However, defense media reports from May 2025 indicated the Army might reduce the planned fleet to six aircraft due to budget realignments. The service has not publicly clarified the final fleet size in its recent communications.
Next steps in developmental testing
With the initial flight complete, the Army and SNC will spend late 2026 and 2027 integrating and testing HADES mission systems through a comprehensive developmental flight test program. This phase is designed to validate the aircraft’s multi-domain sensing and signals intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities.
The developmental testing will determine the effectiveness and operational readiness of the integrated systems ahead of formal operational demonstrations. Hickey noted that the achievement reflects the technical precision of military, civilian, and industry partners working to deliver transformational capabilities to the joint force.
AirPro News analysis
The successful first flight of the HADES prototype underscores a structural shift in military airborne ISR procurement. By selecting commercial business jets over bespoke military airframes or traditional turboprops, the U.S. Army is prioritizing altitude, speed, and payload capacity to counter modern A2/AD networks. This mirrors the U.S. Air Force’s approach with the E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) fleet, which also utilizes a Bombardier Global airframe. The strategy allows the military to leverage billions of dollars in commercial aviation research and development, reducing both unit costs and development timelines.
However, the unresolved questions surrounding the final acquisition objective highlight the ongoing tension between ambitious multi-domain operational requirements and constrained defense budgets. If the fleet is ultimately capped at six aircraft rather than the originally envisioned 14, the Army will need to carefully manage deployment cycles and maintenance schedules to maintain persistent deep sensing coverage in key theaters like the Indo-Pacific and Eastern Europe. A smaller fleet size would place a premium on the reliability and mission capable rates of the ME-11B platform.
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