No.

291 May 2021

Militarisation of
Lieutenant Colonel Vivek Gopal, a
graduate of the National Defence
Academy, was commissioned in

5G: A Necessity December 2000. A MTech,

paratrooper & certified Project
Management Associate, the Officer
for the Forces is presently posted as Instructor
(Class ‘A’) at a premier training
establishment.

Key Points

Abstract • National Policy or a 5G Strategy is the

need of the hour for spectrum
5G holds the promise of ubiquitous high speed
management & utilisation.
data connectivity; vastly improved intelligence,
• Research organisation, fusion of the
surveillance & reconnaissance (ISR); fast and ‘iron-triangle’, is need of the hour for
secure command & control; more efficient logistics; internal and collaborative R&D.
swarming unmanned vehicles, and wide use of • In-house development of hardware
virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). and software followed by validation of
The forces have very well understood the technology by using of test- beds,

importance of this ‘next generation communication should be worked upon.

network’. The Armed Forces needs to leverage • India should focus on terrestrial &
non-terrestrial links, which would be
this technology for optimal use; concurrently
unique to the forces’ requirements.
develop one’s own terrestrial & non-terrestrial
• Supply chain needs to be regulated in
networks and finally integrate it as a robust &
order to cater to full rollout of 5G
secure joint forces network, fully interoperable at
technology and facilitate its expansion
all levels. Keeping this in mind, there is a felt need thereafter.
to issue a National Strategy for Implementation.
Therefore, a research body which looks at spectrum management issues needs to be
established; it should also be implemented in the theatre commands within a definitive
timeframe. Test-beds need to be activated to validate the inherent technologies and gauge
the results achieved. An organisation which caters to these requirements is the need of the

The Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), New Delhi, is an independent Think Tank dealing with national
security and conceptual aspects of land warfare, including conventional & sub-conventional conflict and terrorism.
CLAWS conducts research that is futuristic in outlook and policy-oriented in approach.
Website: www.claws.in Contact us: landwarfare@gmail.com
 CENTRE FOR LAND WARFARE STUDIES (CLAWS): ISSUE BRIEF

hour so that the project reaches completion and modifies the networks as a hybrid public-
private network model or purely a model meant for the forces which is completely secure
with the user and control plane under military control. Collaboration and internal R&D will
help the armed forces reap benefits of this communication technology as well as pave the
way for networks which are ‘Beyond 5G’ (B5G).

Introduction

Wireless innovation plays a key role in integrating various emerging technologies into
tangible results across the nation. 5G technology—the next generation transformative
technology in the communication domain— has taken the world by storm. Military too, has
included this technology in its day-to-day functions— 5G seems to be increasingly used by
militaries of countries across Europe, China and the USA.

5G technology will also play a key role in the future battle network; with the capability of
simultaneously linking millions of transceivers within a defined area, it will enable military
personnel to transmit to one another—almost in real-time— maps, photos and other
information about the operation under way. Due to its lightning fast transmission speed and
the capacity to cope up with the approaching tidal wave of data communication, this
emerging technology will lead the way to innumerable critical IoT applications where data is
captured and acted upon virtually. Immersive technologies like virtual reality and augmented
reality once installed with 5G, are going to radically change the way we interact with our
environment.

As the world is moving towards 6G, the Indian Armed Forces should formulate a ‘National
Strategy for 5G Implementation’ and incorporate 5G as a major dual-use technology that will
return timely dividends. It is this aim that is being addressed as part of this brief.

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Technology Brief: 5G Jargon

Figure 1: Components of 5G Technology

Source: https://www.itic.org/policy/ITI_5G_Full_Report.pdf

International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) 2020 identifies the following as distinctive

features of 5G technology 1 (Figure 1 above):
• Enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB). These are traditional services that are
being provided by 5G technology. It involves high traffic bandwidth, high speed data
for large density of users with low to medium mobility. This will aid in last mile
connectivity for users. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has planned
the implementation of this basic feature in two phases—Phase I looking at
interoperability with the 4G/ LTE services and Phase II (2016 onwards) towards
implementation of the three key features listed herein.
• Ultra-reliable and low latency communication (URLLC). Low latency (latency is
the the delay involved in transfer of data) and high availability of data services for
applications not requiring high throughput but requiring high connectivity in mobile
scenarios.
• Massive machine type communication (mMTC). These communications cater to
IoT connectivity for a near real-time data connectivity.

A simplistic way to understand the 5G network is shown in Figure 2 below. UE which is the
user equipment, under 5G can be transformed into personal equipment, vehicles and other
such devices where inter-device communication is feasible. The access network is a new

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concept that comprises several technologies such as 4G, LTE, WiMAX, WiFi. The 5G ‘New
Radio’ (NR) consists of next generation NodeB (gNB) or the base stations as they are
commonly called. a The core network separates the control plane from the user plane—the
former controls the network and the latter provides the user with various facilities such as
QoS.
Figure 2: 5G Network- Simplistic View

Source: Bastos, L., Capela, G., & Koprulu, A. (n.d.). Potential of 5G technologies for military
application

Figure 3: 5G Spectrum

Source: Bhardwaj, Anshu, “5G for Military Communications” Procedia Computer Science, vol. 171,
2020, pp. 2665–2674, 10.1016/j.procs.2020.04.289

a
Generation NodeB gNB is the logical 5G radio node, the equivalent of what was called NodeB in
3G-UMTS and eNodeB or eNB (i.e. evolved Node B) in 4G-LTE.

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The data network (internet or similar) are important for running application functions and
services. Certain other terminologies which are necessary to understand in the case of 5G
are the issues of spectrum, network virtualisation, network slicing and edge computing.

Spectrum
The spectrum of 5G is shown in Figure 3 above. The frequency bands can be divided
between Low (sub 1 GHz), Medium (1 to 6 GHz) and High (above 6 GHz or mm wave). As
for India, the National Frequency Allocation Plan 2018 have also listed the ‘frequencies of
interest’ to tap this technology—“the IMT 2020 or 5G services with its enhanced capabilities
is relevant to cut across industry verticals. To take advantage of 5G services for Digital
India, the millimetre bands vis. 24.25, 27.5, 31.8, 37 GHz and bands below 6 GHz are under
active consideration and are subjected to co-existence studies and global deliberations”. 2
Recent reports also suggests the allocation of mid-band spectrum in 5G services, 3 which is
about 3.3 to 3.6 GHz bands.

3GPP Release 15, defined 5G frequency bands in a different way—as Frequency Range 1
(FR1 – 410 to 7,125 MHz) and Frequency Range 2 (FR2 – 24.25 to 52.60 GHz). Since, 5G
near radio (NR) utilises both FR1 and FR2, therefore, it provides large carrier bandwidths.
The physical layer consists of technologies such as time division duplex (TDD – multiple
time slots for users) & frequency division duplex (FDD – different narrowly placed frequency
bands) with millimetre wave (mm wave) using TDD extensively. Use of MIMO b

Technologies, with active beamforming antennae, are also part of this layer. Proximity
services (ProSe) also forms a part of 5G technology, mainly addressing the issue of
distress calls as it is based on device-to-device communication and does not rely on the
radio access network (RAN).

Network visualisation, Nework Slicing and Edge Computing

The core network carries out three main functions — network virtualisation, edge computing
and network slicing; slicing refers to the breaking up of the entire network into subsets/
slices with each slice serving a particular function or needs of a customer (Figures4 and 5).
5G enables the resources to be provided as a service right at the RAN (edge computing).

b
Multiple-In, Multiple-Out (MIMO) communication sends the same data as several signals
simultaneously through multiple antennas, while still utilising a single radio channel. This is a form of
antenna diversity, which uses multiple antennas to improve signal quality and strength of an RF link.

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This consequently reduces the network latency & meets the requirement of faster
computation and better throughput.

Figure 4: Schematic to Explain Network Slicing

Source: 5G is a game changer for the military | Data Responds

Figure 5: Schematic to Explain Network Slicing – Military Use

Source: https://datarespons.com/5g-is-a-game-changer-for-the-military

A critical aspect of 5G comprises of ‘Non- Terrestrial Networks’ (NTN) which enables last
mile connectivity without much dependence on the terrestrial backbone. Methods such as
high altitude pseudo-satellites and LEO satellites may be used in such a case.

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5G Coverage: World Landscape

The game changing aspect of 5G technology, owing to Software Defined Network &
Virtualisation techniques, have resulted in test-beds carrying out validation exclusively for
the defence forces (5G defence slices). Nearly 3500 million subscribers of this technology
are expected by 2026 4 with the spread as shown in Figure 6 below.

Figure 6: 5G Worldscape

Source: Ericsson Mobility Report, November 2020

For countries such as USA, 5G is seen as a backbone for establishing the Joint All-Domain
Command and Control. c

or JADC2 5 apart from the exploitation for civil use. According to an assessment, China is the
current leader in sub-6 GHz technologies and is likely to deploy the world’s first 5G wide-
area network. 6 There have also been reports of the 5G network being installed in Tibet 7
(Ganbala radar station). The conceptualisation of 5G network, as seen in the Norwegian
Defence forces, is shown in Figure 7 below. Use-case analysis of 5G has also been
covered in a report of the World Economic Forum 8. Based on the various features of 5G as

c
Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) is Department of Defense's (DOD's) concept to
connect sensors from all the US military services—Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space
Force—into a single network.

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envisaged, by 2025, 5G technology would be used in all areas starting from smart homes
and factories to extensive IoT based applications including autonomous cars, AR & VR.

Figure 7: Network of 5G – Norwegian Defence

Source: https://datarespons.com/5g-is-a-game-changer-for-the-military

Slightly delayed, Israel too has joined the bandwagon of 5G rollout and has granted
spectrum access to three service providers. 9 UK and Germany are also exploring co-
operation means in this regard and inviting NATO to be a major role player. 10 Initially,
Vodafone had launched these services in Germany in 2018. 11 The Russian deployment of
this technology saw initial roadblocks due to indecision regarding the spectrum allocation—
3.5 GHz band was not available in Russia due to satellite use. The next alternate was 4.8
GHz band. Majority of the countries implementing 5G 12 have accepted the 3.5 GHz band
due to large coverage afforded by it. The global market forecast on 5G technology with
special emphasis on the chipsets is shown in Figure 8 below.

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Figure 8: The Global 5G Ecosystem & Market Forecast

Source: https://www.inkwoodresearch.com/reports/5g-chipset-market/

5G Military Technology Ecosystem Development

Having seen the civilian use-cases as well as the projected figures for its growth, the
immense potential that this technology can offer to the military can only be understated—
“5G is not only a leap in communication technology, but also an integration of artificial
intelligence, cloud computing, internet of things and other emerging technologies to promote
intelligence operations, high-speed sharing of massive battlefield resources, and accelerate
the release of its war potential”. 13 In a standalone pure communication aspect or with its
fusion with other contemporary technologies, there are a plethora of places where 5G holds
promising results. However, there are differences when we want to list out the military cases
of 5G. This is due to the differences in requirement and deployment.

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Table 1: 5G Military Use-Cases Based on Key Functional Parameters

Technology Attribute Source Military Use
Enhanced Mobile Voice & data connectivity for all personnel & HQs,
Broadband e(MBB) Logistic nodes.
Ultra-reliable Low Time critical networks – Command posts, Joint
Latency Network – 3GPP Operation Centres, Special operation forces, Hypersonic
(UrLLC) Weapon Control.
Mass machine type
V2X cases, Autonomous Systems, UAV Swarms,
Communication-
Robotics.
(mMTC)

Note: The Next Generation Mobile Network or NGMN has also defined nearly eight use-cases
of 5G.

Source: Annotated by Author

Military networks does not have fixed infrastructure like civil networks. As the situations
develop on-the-fly, the networks also needs to be modified accordingly. Thus, the resources
are required to be flexible over land, air and sea. Wide area coverage is required, however
owing to secrecy issues, reliance on civil network may not be feasible. More importantly,
military communication mainly happens within a contested EM space/ spectrum. Therefore,
the network also has to survive extreme environment and rough use in the battlespace.

One also have to note the specific requirements of the various elements of services as the
hardware, although modular, need to be same for land and sea forces as also the Air Force
and the Navy. Multiple information has to be processed and thereafter passed on to the
decision makers. Jointness & theaterisation imposes further challenges in terms of
commonality of the protocols and equipments needed. There will be heavy reliance on ad
hoc networks d or MANETs which will be time based depending on the tempo of operations
involved. Spectrum and energy efficiency will also play a key role in 5G militarisation. Key
performance indicators have been covered in Figure 9.

Various architectures have been envisioned in the work by Liao & Ou titled 5G Military
Application Scenarios and Private Network Architectures 14. To summarise, low operation

d
A wireless ad hoc network (WANET) or mobile ad hoc network (MANET) is a decentralised type
of wireless network. The network is called as an ad hoc because it does not rely on a pre-existing
infrastructure, such as routers in wired networks or access points in managed (infrastructure)
wireless networks. An on the fly/ spontaneous network.

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and maintenance cost can be incurred when the same network infrastructure is shared
between the public and military, with slicing done to create a private 5G network. Thus,
there is coexistence with a tradeoff for speed. Hence, logistics or routine messages/
correspondence may rely on such a topology. A second case can be with a separate
frequency band allocated for military use that is a clean separation between the public and
military network can be executed and used for high secrecy operations and subsequently
meshed with land/sea/airborne infrastructure. However, with spectrum being a scarce
resource, this decision will be a tough call. There can be other permutations of the scheme
by including or removing the control plane & user plane interactions based on security
requirements etc.

Figure 9: Key Performance Indicators & Connotations

Source: J. Liao and X. Ou, "5G Military Application Scenarios and Private Network Architectures"

What also needs mention is the development of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks
(TaNTIN). The military use of 5G will also encompass use of usual multimedia services apart
from voice and data calls. An example of TaNTIN has been shown in the Figure 10 which

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encompasses the use of technologies such as edge computing, AI, blockchain & network
virtualisation techniques. 15

Figure 10: An Example for TaNTIN Implementation

Source: Akhtar, Muhammad Waseem, & Hassan, S. A. (2021). TaNTIN

Apart from these networks, progress will also have to be made in cases of wearable devices
and the impetus will fall on ‘smart-soldiers’, who are capable of taking the defence
innovation industry by storm.

When we talk of security, then there is a need to convert the existing security stack for use
in civil to militarised stack with added layers of security. The Open Radio Access Network e
(o-RAN) will be of immense use here but however needs to be tweaked a little to suit the
layers of security as desired with military grade protocols (Figure 11). 16

e
Open RAN is a term for industrywide interface standards that allow RAN equipment and software
from different vendors to communicate. The top two organisations working on open RAN are the
Telecom Infra Project and the O-RAN Alliance.

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Figure 11: Security Stack for 5G – A Representation

Source: George F. Elmasry, "DSA and 5G Adaptation to Military Communications"

To adapt the system for military use, the aspect of multi-user MU-MIMO can be leveraged
along with anti-jamming waveforms (an aspect to be dealt with separately). Advantages of
low probability of intercept can be achieved while also achieving redundancy in networks
using mesh-routers. 17

Recommendations and Suggested Organisation

The militarisation of 5G for the forces should be rolled out based on a ‘National Strategy for
5G Implementation’. While the tenets of this strategy can be deliberated later,
recommendations can be made based on the global military use-case scenario.
Atmanirbharta or self-reliance is key, however, it cannot be at the expense of a temporal loss
as this technology, like any other, is time sensitive— the earlier we graduate to it, easier will
it be to keep pace for the fusion and proliferation with other ‘sister technologies’. Swarming
UAVs, virtual reality simulation & training, real-time ISR, distributed command & control, and
smart warehousing facilities, are only the start. 18

• Policy formulation. It is important to publish a policy with guidelines along with a

roadmap for implementing 5G. We should aim to leverage the already existing 4G/
LTE infrastructure to speed up the adaptation of this technology. It is only after we

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adopt the technology in daily use, we will be able to tweak it for other purposes. This
policy framework will require SMEs in addition to the stakeholders from all agencies
in equal measure. There are bound to be strategic spin-offs in terms of developing
such technology which can later be extended to countries in the African continent.
• Innovation and Development. Simultaneously, innovate and develop systems with
an aim to develop a private 5G network for the forces. This would require immense
innovation for developing critical hardware, exploring new technological frontiers,
engaging the security aspects and allocating budgetary resources to bring it to
fruition. The ‘iron-triangle’ of industry-academia-military partnership is inescapable
here. As brought out earlier, since technology is time sensitive, therefore, it would be
good to go for commercially-off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment or technology, that has
been acquired as a result of inter-governmental negotiations. India is a strong harbor
of software talent. Partnerships with countries looking forward to such collaborations
should be welcome. Chip manufacturing, where India is presently lagging needs to
be developed at an accelerated pace. Cooperation with Israel for 5G technology
should be thought of as both the countries share strong innovation base. With the
ousting of Huawei and the likes, there is an ‘inescapable need’ for indigenous R&D
to develop hardware and software and thereafter cater to rolling out of 5G in the
near future. 19
• Validation of Technology. Validation of technology should be the next step which
would result in developing test-beds. As covered earlier, the military use-cases will
require testing before being accepted as military grade. 5G, when combined with
IoT, an automated supply chain, and AI, can enable Just-in-Time (JIT) logistics— a
system in which logisticians can ascertain stock levels while still accounting for
fluctuations in demand. How the various agencies can participate towards testing and
validation of technology is suggested as under : -
o Military College of Electronics & Mechanical Engineering and Combat
Vehicles Research & Development Establishment for V2X f and smart
logistics as also for robotics/ IoT and antenna design implementation.
Armoured Centre College and School with Army Service Corps
College can also be stakeholders for tests of V2X & ProSe.

f
V2X or vehicle-to-everything is a system that enables cars to communicate with compatible
networks and devices – including other vehicles and pedestrians – as well as road systems, traffic
controls and other infrastructure.

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o Military College of Telecommunications Engineering and Private

Enterprise for backbone access technologies, Edge Computing and
AI.
o Army Air Defence College for testing hypersonic weapon control with
M/s BAPL.
o Any big cantonment areas (with different geographical location and
characteristics) for 5G roll-out of towers to validate the data rates/
throughput. The US forces too have ‘sandboxed’ bases which are
being used extensively to try out the technology. Companies
(domestic alternates to China) have been invited to test their products
for military specific applications. This also supports the military-
industry collaboration, that is being stressed upon world over. 20
o Integrate DPSUs such as DRDO/ C-DAC for Scientific Analysis
Group/SAG encryption/ QRNG g / Quantum interface and secrecy
aspects of the protocol.
o CAIR may look at reviving the smart soldier system initiative for
wearables as well as sensor to shooter links.
o A Central Ordnance Depot to be a test bed for smart warehousing.
Simultaneously, Joint Logistic Nodes can serve as test-beds for joint
logistic operations testing. The greater bandwidth offered will be able
to accommodate up to a million sensors within a square kilometre at
very high throughput. Small electronic tags will also enable real-time
asset visibility across the theatre.
o Industry can participate in the testing of non-terrestrial links with ISRO.

• Securing the network. This will be one of the most critical aspects of the militarised
5G network. Penetration testing & performance in an electronic warfare degraded
environment is essential. Development of protocols, waveforms, incorporating AI &
ML as well as leveraging the technologies of MIMO/ MU-MIMO, adaptive
beamforming etc., will be encompassed as part of this tenet. Role of DRDO and
other such agencies, in developing quantum encryption, will be of great help for
India.

g
Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) generates perfectly unpredictable random numbers,
derived from a quantum source and delivered at speeds needed for commercial applications, to
ensure the strongest level of encryption.

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• Development of non-terrestrial technologies. This is of extreme importance for

the forces due to the inherent nature of warfare which is dynamic by nature and
extends to multiple domains in today’s scenario. Reliance on satellites in LEO/MEO,
pseudo-satellites and UAVs in extending range of communication is considered as
increased dependence.
• Implications of 5G on MANETs. Quick transfer of data will lead to better control of
unmanned systems. Real-time command & control architecture will develop as a
result of this technology.
• Flexibility in Spectrum Sharing. The proposed National Strategy should aim at
achieving a spectrum dedicated for military use while keeping backbone services/
integrated access backbone shared for non-critical operations and exclusive for
sensitive areas. The associated radio frequency elements, form components and
circuits to antennae, have to be designed to keep pace with the envisaged
requirement.
• Developing B5G. Developing B5G and 6G technology with focus on mm-wave
communications is an important step. Although the architecture in terms of circuit
design, infrastructure being far greater due to line of sight issues & methods to
obviate atmospheric attenuation will be associated problems, we must concurrently
look at the technologies to exploit the tera-hertz segment. Civil/ Industry should take
the lead— however, with Government support. Budget should be allocated for pilot
projects and technology demonstration hubs should be constructed. Increasing the
funding under R&D, will augur well for a subsequent 6G rollout.
• Identify and Diversify. Identify and diversify the suppliers of equipment to be
utilised in 5G implementation to prevent monopolisation. Systems which are scalable
and interoperable are to be made. One cannot let-go of the legacy systems already
in use.
• Develop a supply chain. There is a need to develop a robust supply chain
mechanism which is attributed by experts in the field; strong technical skill-set,
testing labs, resources to augment the development of the technology. Academic
institutions and industries can also be included as important stakeholders.

National Strategy should view the aspect of 5G under the heads of implementation, cyber
security, in-house facilitation and lastly global impact. How these recommendations can be
implemented & by which agencies will require deliberation. However, we must remember
that instead of a ‘turf-war’ or ‘fear of being left out’, a fast-track approach will result in greater

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benefits. A suggested model of implementing the above cited recommendations is

suggested schematically in Figure 12 below. As always, new technologies make way for
newer verticals which emerge from the fusion of already existing ‘silos’. The aim of the
model suggested here is to re-mould the existing verticals and optimise the overall system.
This model is based on the importance that needs to be given to the concept of
‘theaterisation’ as we are in the process of implementing the changes leading to ‘jointness’ in
operations which are going to be the need of a multi-domain battlespace.

Figure 12: Proposed Organisation to Manage 5G Research

Source: Annotated by Author

Implementation Timelines: Putting Theory to Practice

‘Accelerate, operate & innovate’ will be the mantra for execution of 5G in military. There is an
urgent need to graduate onto this technology to not only keep pace with changing times, but
also to leverage the potential offered by this budding technology.

A proposed ten-year time plan to implement the 5G technology across the forces is shown
as per Figure 13 below.

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Figure 13: Proposed Implementation Timelines

Source: Annotated by Author

Conclusion

5G holds the promise of ubiquitous high-speed data connectivity; vastly improved ISR; fast
and secure command and control; more efficient logistics; swarming unmanned vehicles;
and wide use of virtual reality and augmented reality. The all-pervasive nature of 5G has
been understood by the Indian Armed Forces. 21

It is this technology which will see the amalgamation of better spectrum usage with
disruptive technology such as unmanned systems, IoT and AI. China have already invested
heavily in AI, undersea cables and 5G infrastructure. We need to follow suit.

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Figure 14: Samsung Tactical Handset (S20) – 5G enabled Radio for the Forces

Source: Samsung Website

5G aims to create an omnipresent ionosphere where data from sensors, targeting

surveillance, and signal intelligence are persistently available. With advances in edge
computing, the mission critical data will enhance manifold the battlefield transparency as well
as aid commanders in a more responsive decision making process on the fly.

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End Notes

1
Luis Bastos, Germano Capela, Alper Koprulu, “Potential of 5G technologies for military application”,
NATO Communications and Information Agency,15 September 2020. Accessible at
http://www.mindev.gov.gr/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Enclosure-2-Working-paper-Potential-of-5G-
technologies-for-military-application.pdf. Accessed on 05 May 2021.
2
Department of Telecommunications “National Frequency Allocation Plan 2018” , Ministry of
Communication , Government of India, 2018. Accessible at https://dot.gov.in/whatsnew/national-
frequency-allocation-plan-2018. Accessed on 05 May 2021.
3
Kalyan Parbat, “DoT set to earmark more bands for 5G under updated spectrum allocation plan”, The
Economic Times, Last updated 30 March 2021. Accessible at
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/telecom/telecom-news/dot-set-to-earmark-more-bands-
for-5g-under-updated-spectrum-allocation-plan/articleshow/81758258.cms. Accessed on 05 May
2021.
4
Felix Richter, “Global 5G Adoption to Triple in 2021”, Statista, 01 March 2021. Accessible at
https://www.statista.com/chart/9604/5g-subscription-forecast/. Accessed on 06 May 2021.
5
Mike Dano, “Pentagon puts 5G at center of US military’s communications future”, Light Reading, 18
December 2020. Accessible at https://www.lightreading.com/aiautomation/pentagon-puts-5g-at-
center-of-us-militarys-communications-future/d/d-id/766232. Accessed on 06 May 2021.
6
John R Hoehn and Kelley M Sayler, “National Security Implications of Fifth Generation (5G) Mobile
Technologies”, Congressional Research Service, Updated on 23 April 2021. Accessible at
https://fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/IF11251.pdf. Accessed on 06 May 2021.
7
Sutirtho Patranobis, “China operationalises 5G services at Tibet radar station”, Hindustan Times, 12
April 2021. Accessible at https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/china-operationalises-5g-
services-at-tibet-radar-station-101618236037768.html. Accessed on 06 May 2021.
8
“The Impact of 5G: Creating New Value across Industries and Society”, World Economic Forum,
January 2020. Accessible at http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_The_Impact_of_5G_Report.pdf.
Accessed on 07 May 2021.
9
TOI Staff and Shoshanna Solomon, “Hailing ‘revolution’, Israel launches 5G wireless service”, The
Times of Israel, 29 September 2020. Accessible at https://www.timesofisrael.com/hailing-revolution-
israel-launches-5g-wireless-service/. Accessed on 07 May 2021.
10
Thomas Beryl, “Towards a Common 5G Strategy: The Case for UK-Germany Collaboration.” Hanns
Seidel Foundation, The Policy Institute, November 2020.Accessible at https://www.kcl.ac.uk/policy-
institute/assets/towards-a-common-5g-strategy.pdf. Accessed on 07 May 2021.
11
Prakash Sangam,“Qualcomm Announces First 5G NR IoT Modem for High-Performance IIoT Use
Cases (Analyst Angle)”, RCR Wireless News. RCR Wireless News, 21 May 2021.Accessible at
https://www.rcrwireless.com/20210521/analyst-angle/qualcomm-announces-first-5g-nr-iot-modem-for-
high-performance-iiot-use-cases-analyst-angle. Accessed on 07 May 2021.
12
David George et all, “How Spectrum Will Shape the Outlook for 5G in Russia”.’ GSMA Intelligence,
November 2020. Accessible at https://data.gsmaintelligence.com/research/research/research-
2020/how-spectrum-will-shape-the-outlook-for-5g-in-russia. Accessed on 07 May 2021.
13
J.Liao and X.Ou, "5G Military Application Scenarios and Private Network Architectures”, IEEE
International Conference on Advances in Electrical Engineering and Computer Applications( AEECA),
2020.
14
Ibid.
15
Muhammad Waseem Akhtar, & Syed Ali Hassan, “TaNTIN: Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial
Integrated Networks-A collaborative technologies perspective for beyond 5G and 6G”,Cornell
University, 20 January 2021. Accessible at https://arxiv.org/abs/2101.08221v1. Accessed on 08 May
2021.
16
George F Elmasry, "DSA and 5G Adaptation to Military Communications”, Dynamic Spectrum
Access Decisions: Local, Distributed, Centralized, and Hybrid Designs , IEEE, 2020.
17
Ibid, ch7.

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 CENTRE FOR LAND WARFARE STUDIES (CLAWS): ISSUE BRIEF

18
John Keller, “Future millimeter wave 5G wireless communications offer military new applications to
transform operations”, Military & Aerospace Electronics, 30 October 2020. Accessible at
https://www.militaryaerospace.com/communications/article/14186438/5g-communications-
millimeter-wave. Accessed on 09 May 2021.
19
Manoj Kewalramani and Gedaliah Afterman, “How India and Israel can lead the way on 5G
collaboration”, Hindustan Times 23 March 2021. Accessible at
https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/how-india-and-israel-can-lead-the-way-on-5g-
collaboration-101616509976359.html. Accessed on 09 May 2021.
20
Michael Kratsios, (2020, August 13). “A Plan to Turn Military Bases Into ‘Sandboxes’ for
5G”,WIRED, 13 August 2020. Accessible at https://www.wired.com/story/plan-military-bases-
sandboxes-5g/. Accessed on 10 May 2021.
21
Swarajya Staff, “5G Network To Be Developed By Indian Armed Forces To Match China Over AI
And Unmanned Vehicles”, Swarajya,19 April 2021. Accessible at https://swarajyamag.com/insta/5g-
network-to-be-developed-by-indian-armed-forces-to-match-china-over-ai-and-unmanned-vehicles.
Accessed on 10 May 2021.

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The views expressed and suggestions made in the article are solely of the author in his personal capacity and do not have any
official endorsement. Attributability of the contents lies purely with author.

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