Nokia Unveils Mission-Safe Phone and Upgraded Banshee 5G Tactical Radio for Next-Gen Battlefield Security
Espoo, Finland, September 9, 2025 : Nokia has taken a major step in strengthening its defence technology portfolio with the launch of two advanced tactical communication solutions: the Nokia Mission-Safe Phone and the upgraded Nokia Banshee 5G Tactical Radio. Both systems are designed to provide secure, resilient, and high-performance communications for defence forces operating in the most demanding conditions.
The Mission-Safe Phone is a purpose-built military smartphone manufactured in Europe, equipped with a long-lifecycle Qualcomm chipset. Unlike many commercial devices, it has been developed with supply-chain security in mind, using no active components of Chinese origin and sourcing around 90% of parts from non-Chinese suppliers. This ensures higher trust in its hardware and reduces dependency on vulnerable supply chains.
The device is certified to MIL-Standard 810H and IP68, making it resistant to water, dust, shock, and extreme weather. It comes in three versions, each tailored to different mission profiles, and can be customised with additional applications and accessories. The phone can run on standard operating systems but also allows deeper-level access for defence partners to install their own secure OS, giving it a flexibility rarely seen in military communications equipment.
Nokia also revealed the upgraded Banshee 5G Tactical Radio, which now includes integrated 5G connectivity. Often described as a “network in a box”, the rugged portable system provides higher bandwidth, lower latency, and greater resilience in the field. It enables real-time coordination, instant data sharing, and improved situational awareness, all while being easy to deploy in mobile or contested environments.
Together, the Mission-Safe Phone and Banshee radio form a fully integrated tactical ecosystem, allowing soldiers to operate on unified communication platforms. These systems align with NATO’s strategic recognition of 5G as a critical enabler for multi-domain operations and support interoperability with satellite, MANET, and other battlefield networks.
Giuseppe Targia, Head of Space and Defense at Nokia, said the launch reflects the company’s vision of accelerating digital transformation in the battlespace. “With the Nokia Mission-Safe Phone and the Banshee 5G Tactical Radio, we are enabling next-generation connectivity and resilience,” he stated. “Our goal is to deliver a complete, end-to-end tactical communications ecosystem for modern defence forces.”
The move comes as global defence organisations increase investments in digitalised battlefield networks. Nokia, building on its recent acquisitions and expertise in tactical communications, is positioning itself as a key player in secure military connectivity, offering tools designed not only to withstand the harshest conditions but also to provide uninterrupted, safe, and trusted communication for soldiers in critical missions.
