NATO CCDCOE Partners with Oracle for Enhanced Battlefield 5G Connectivity Research

NATO CCDCOE and Oracle Join Forces for Battlefield 5G Research

In a significant move towards enhancing cyber defense capabilities, the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE) has announced a partnership with Oracle and Druid Software. This collaboration aims to design and deploy private 5G networks targeted at research, war gaming, and development initiatives to bolster NATO's operational readiness.

Based in Tallinn, Estonia, the CCDCOE is recognized as a leading institute focused on cyber defense, providing interdisciplinary expertise in research, training, and operational exercises for NATO allies. By setting up secure and resilient private 5G networks, the CCDCOE expects to achieve a new level of data connectivity, crucial for protecting critical infrastructures from potential cyber threats.

Tõnis Saar, the Director of CCDCOE, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "Secure, resilient 5G adds a vital layer to existing communications, while portable, private networks with seamless roaming enable faster, more effective data sharing, keeping NATO forces a step ahead of adversaries." This perspective underlines how vital it is for NATO to stay ahead in technological advancements, especially in areas like cyber defense.

As part of the initiative, the CCDCOE has validated Oracle's 5G Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP), marking it as a trusted solution for securing communications across NATO member networks. This technology is an essential element of Oracle's 5G Core portfolio, which ensures end-to-end confidentiality and integrity of 5G interconnect roaming messages across NATO infrastructure. Leveraging Druid's 5G "Raemis" core network along with Oracle’s Roving Edge Devices, this verification process sets a solid foundation for safeguarding sensitive battlefield data and promoting secure connectivity among allied forces.

In the words of Andrew Morawski, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Oracle Regulated Industries, "Safeguarding mission-critical and sensitive information over communications networks is paramount to national and global security." He points out that bolstering 5G data security across roaming networks will substantially enhance data integrity for NATO forces, ultimately providing operational advantages when planning and testing high-stakes scenarios.

Moreover, the collaboration underscores the significance of data security in modern warfare. Liam Kenny, CEO of Druid Software, remarked, "Advanced 5G networks must deliver uncompromising data security to protect mission-critical communications." The strategic intersection of Druid's Raemis platform and Oracle's advanced security technologies aims to create secure and robust capabilities for NATO, enhancing interoperability and operational superiority under high-pressure circumstances.

As an accredited NATO entity, CCDCOE will share its findings and research outcomes with its allies and like-minded nations for military utilization. The trust placed in Oracle's SEPP and its security architecture, which incorporates the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA) recommended firewall capabilities, indicates a strong commitment to maintaining stringent data protection strategies. This includes both encryption in transit and at rest, targeting the prevention of data exposure and securing data against potential attacks on storage media.

Ultimately, the partnership between NATO CCDCOE, Oracle, and Druid Software marks a pivotal advancement in the intersection of security and technology, fostering a more secure and connected environment for NATO forces. The implications of this initiative extend beyond mere technological upgrades; they reposition NATO as a forward-thinking organization in the realm of cyber defense, ready to address emerging threats in an ever-evolving battlefield landscape.