U.S. Navy taps Skydweller for drone-based 5G communication trial
3 minute readPublished: Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 9:35 am
U.S. Navy to Test Drone-Based 5G Communication System
The U.S. Navy has awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract to Skydweller Aero and Nokia Federal Solutions to develop and demonstrate an airborne 5G communication hub. The initiative, officially titled "Intelligent Radio Access Network for Beyond 5G Resilient Tactical Networks," aims to provide secure, low-latency connectivity for military operations in areas with limited or no existing infrastructure.
Skydweller Aero's solar-powered autonomous aircraft will serve as the persistent communications platform. The aircraft will carry a reconfigurable 5G cellular "Network-in-a-Box" designed to support tactical units in contested environments. This system is intended to offer a more flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional communication solutions, particularly in remote locations where the U.S. military must operate.
Nokia Federal Solutions will contribute its Banshee Flex Radio, a ruggedized 5G private wireless platform originally developed for ground operations. The collaboration seeks to create a secure, resilient, and high-speed tactical communication system that can operate from ground to air.
The project will assess how the hybrid system supports the Navy's Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO) concept, including integration with both manned and unmanned systems. It may also contribute to the Department of War's Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) framework.
The SBIR Phase I contract, awarded by the U.S. Navy's Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), runs from November 2025 to November 2026. Financial details of the contract were not disclosed. The Skydweller platform, designed for long-endurance flights, is expected to fly continuously for months without refueling or a crew. The demonstration will allow the Navy to evaluate the feasibility of aerial 5G relay systems for rapid deployment without relying on terrestrial infrastructure.
BNN's Perspective: This project highlights the ongoing evolution of military technology and the increasing importance of resilient communication networks. While the potential benefits of this technology for military operations are clear, it is crucial to consider the broader implications of deploying advanced communication systems in contested environments, including the potential for increased surveillance and the need for robust cybersecurity measures.
Keywords: U.S. Navy, Skydweller Aero, Nokia Federal Solutions, 5G, drone, autonomous aircraft, communication, SBIR, military, tactical, resilient, network, infrastructure, DMO, CJADC2, NAWCAD, solar-powered, airborne, wireless, secure, low-latency.