Portuguese Army develops 587,000-euro tactical 4G/5G network

The Portuguese Army has invested approximately 587,000 euros to develop a tactical 4G/5G mobile network designed to ensure communications in areas where coverage is unavailable or civilian networks are degraded. Developed in partnership with MEO and funded through the Military Programming Law, the system aims to enhance the Army's capacity for Military Emergency Support.

General Eduardo Mendes Ferrão, Chief of the Army Staff, noted that recent events, such as power outages and Storm Kristin, highlighted the necessity for independent communication, command, and coordination solutions when civilian infrastructure fails. The network can operate autonomously, providing local voice, data, video, and geolocation services, while utilizing satellite communications to establish external links and connect to the public telephone network.

The technology includes “ManPack” configurations for rapid deployment and high mobility, as well as a trailer-mounted version equipped with its own generator for increased capacity and energy autonomy. The system was demonstrated at the Santa Margarida Military Camp during the ARTEX26/OPEX26 exercises.