# NATO Tests 5G Counter-Drone Systems in Latvia

NATO Allied Command Transformation-led Digital Pillar Experimentation (DiBaX 2026) tested an integrated operational network at Ādaži military base in Latvia from October 19–30, 2026. Demonstrations combined private 5G and resilient communications with sensor fusion, layered counter-drone systems, and AI-assisted situational awareness and targeting. The trials highlighted interoperability needs and technical limitations, but announced no solicitation, contract award, or funding commitment. For procurement teams, this is a capability and integration signal—not an active procurement opportunity; two European Drone Technology Hubs planned for 2027 are a stated follow-on development.

- Defense contractors in 5G, secure communications, counter-UAS, sensor fusion, and AI-enabled targeting can use the trial themes to assess their interoperability capabilities, while recognizing that no funded requirement was announced.
- Procurement professionals should distinguish the demonstration from a solicitation and use NATO and Latvian defense procurement channels for follow-on opportunities, as indicated in the reports.
- The planned 2027 Drone Technology Hubs provide a concrete follow-on signal for firms working on drone and counter-drone technologies; the reports do not specify their procurement scope or funding.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Information Technology
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** November 01, 2026

### Government Entities
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
- NATO Allied Command Transformation (ACT)
- Latvian National Armed Forces
- Latvia Ministry of Defence
- NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA)

### Vendors
- LMT (Technical integrator)
- Palantir (Maven Smart System supplier)
- Ericsson ()
- Nokia ()

### Key Quotes
> I think we need to make more and more self-defense units to make sure that whatever comes from Russia will be ready for them. And so the speed of change is there now.
> — Admiral Pierre Vandier, NATO Commander for Transformation

> For us, as a NATO member of the Alliance Eastern Flank here in Latvia, we cannot afford to treat technological innovation and adaptation as a distant objective for us.
> — Kaspars Pudāns, Commander of the Latvian National Armed Forces

> The next challenge, and it’s the most difficult, is adoption.
> — Pierre Vandier, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation

### Sources
- [NATO tests "5G" model, Admiral Vandier: Let's be ready for anything coming from Russia - Gazeta Express](https://www.gazetaexpress.com/en/NATO-tests-5G-model-Admiral-Vandier%3A-Let%27s-be-ready-for-anything-that-comes-from-Russia) - Gazeta Express
- [NATO DiBaX 2026: 5G and Counter-Drone Trials Held in Latvia](https://envantermedya.com/en/nato-dibax-2026-latvia-5g-counter-drone-ai-targeting) - Envanter Medya
- [NATO turns 5G towers into sensors in Baltic battlefield experiment](https://defence-blog.com/nato-turns-5g-towers-into-sensors-in-baltic-battlefield-experiment) - The Defence Blog