Northrop Grumman Corp. and AT&T are collaborating to research and develop a digital battle network, powered by AT&T 5G and Northrop Grumman’s advanced mission systems, to support the Defense Department.
Northrop Grumman and AT&T plan to deliver a cost-effective, scalable, open architecture solution that will help DOD connect distributed sensors and data from all domains and forces — similar to how smart devices connect and share data.
“Our collaboration with AT&T brings together some of the best capabilities in defense and commercial communications to meet the evolving requirements of JADC2,” said Ben Davies, vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman’s Networked Information Solutions division.
This digital battle network will combine the high speeds, low latency and cybersecurity protections of private 5G networks with the flexibility and scalability of AT&T’s commercial 5G capabilities to support capability for the Joint All Domain Command and Control.
“The enhanced connectivity and networking of information that 5G provides are a great advantage in a military environment and will help the DOD in the development of high-performing and intuitive technologies that quickly and seamlessly share data across a myriad of secure networks,” Davies said.
The agreement includes prototyping, demonstrating and testing AT&T’s commercial 5G networking capabilities integrated with Northrop Grumman’s portfolio of capabilities.
“Our 5G capabilities can help the Department of Defense achieve operational and information advantage when it matters most — protecting our country and freedoms around the globe,” said Lance Spencer, client executive vice president-defense for AT&T Public Sector and FirstNet.
“By bringing our 5G services together with Northrop Grumman’s powerful avionics and defense systems, we expect to create an ideal platform to deliver DOD’s JADC2 vision,” Spencer added.
