Skydweller and Nokia Develop Airborne Beyond 5G Hub for Navy

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

• Skydweller Aero