Nokia enhances US Marine Corps communications with Banshee tech

CHANTILLY, Virginia - Nokia (NYSE: NOK), a prominent player in the communications equipment industry with a market capitalization of $27.8 billion, has provided its advanced Banshee tactical private wireless solutions to the Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity (MCTSSA), a move aimed at bolstering the U.S. Marine Corps’ tactical operations communications. According to InvestingPro data, Nokia maintains a strong financial position with more cash than debt on its balance sheet, supporting its capability to deliver on military contracts. The delivery is part of ongoing efforts to modernize and enhance battlefield connectivity with secure and resilient communication systems.

The collaboration between Nokia and the Marine Corps has deepened over the years, with a series of tests and demonstrations proving the effectiveness of the Banshee system. In 2023, a two-day proof-of-concept at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma established the system’s capacity for secure, high-capacity tactical communications. Later that year, at Project Convergence, Banshee’s performance in challenging environments was further validated. This military partnership adds to Nokia’s robust revenue stream, which reached $20.7 billion in the last twelve months, with a healthy gross profit margin of 45%.

Early 2025 saw MCTSSA acquiring multiple Banshee units for evaluation and use in Marine Corps exercises. Nokia has supported the integration process by providing hands-on training to Marine Corps units, ensuring they are equipped to deploy the technology effectively.

The Banshee system offers a scalable private wireless solution that aligns with the demands of modern warfare. It is designed for rapid deployment in demanding conditions, providing high-speed, long-range, and secure communication. The system is a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) product, which implies cost-efficiency and the benefit of ongoing industry research and development investments.

According to Capt. Eric Perez, MCTSSA Cyber Network Operation Officer, the high bandwidth and low latency of the Banshee family are crucial for sensor-to-shooter integration, a key component in maintaining a strategic advantage on the battlefield.

Nokia’s Banshee solutions are part of the company’s broader commitment to creating technology that facilitates collaborative action. The company’s focus extends across mobile, fixed, and cloud networks, as well as intellectual property and long-term research through Nokia Bell Labs.

This recent development with MCTSSA reflects Nokia’s dedication to delivering secure, reliable, and sustainable network solutions that meet the tactical and strategic needs of military operations. The information for this article is based on a press release statement from Nokia.

In other recent news, Nokia has announced a strategic partnership with Honeywell Aerospace Technologies and Numana to develop Quantum-Safe Networks (QSN). This collaboration aims to enhance security for digital infrastructure globally by combining Numana’s Kirq Quantum Communication Testbed, Honeywell’s quantum key distribution technology, and Nokia’s advanced cryptographic network technologies. The initiative is designed to foster innovation and speed up the adoption of next-generation secure networking technologies for enterprises and service providers. Nokia plans to utilize Numana’s Kirq testbed in Quebec to drive collaborative-based innovations within the broader quantum technology ecosystem. Honeywell will contribute quantum-secure encryption keys to enhance satellite network security and data transmission from space to Earth. Numana will oversee the deployment and operation of the testbed, providing a real-world environment for testing quantum-resistant technologies. This partnership aligns with Quebec and Canada’s commitments to quantum innovation and cybersecurity leadership. The collaboration will also focus on education, training, ecosystem development, and research to advance secure communication technologies.

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