Next Generation Information Communications Technology (5G)

The Next Generation Information Communications Technology (5G) program, managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, is a multi-faceted research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative designed to advance fifth-generation (5G) and future-generation (FutureG) cellular network technologies for military applications. The overarching goal is to leverage commercial advances in wireless communications to provide the Department of Defense (DoD) with asymmetric operational advantages, particularly in competition with peer adversaries. The program aims to rebuild U.S. leadership in 5G/FutureG, ensure high availability and security of communications in all operational settings, and support Combined Joint All Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) with allies and partners. Key partners include the DoD Chief Information Officer (CIO), Combatant Commands, NATO, multiple U.S. government agencies, and over 300 industry and academic organizations.

Expeditionary and Tactical Use focuses on adapting commercial network technologies for tactical military operations. Its objectives include developing scalable, interoperable, and resilient warfighting networks that integrate both commercial cellular and traditional military equipment. The project conducts large-scale prototyping and experimentation in deployed environments, such as Marine Corps Logistical Base Albany and Naval Station Norfolk, to transition capabilities like 5G-enabled smart warehouses and shipboard wireless architectures. The Army Tactical Mobility project delivers 5G On-The-Move Command and Control (C2) capabilities, addressing latency, throughput, and resiliency requirements for distributed command posts. Collaboration with NATO's Cooperative Cyber Defense Center of Excellence supports the Scalable Interoperable Resilient-5G (SIR-5G) initiative, enabling secure roaming and network sharing among allies.

Ubiquitous, Secure, and Instant Access aims to deliver high-availability wireless communication systems with robust security assurance across all DoD operational settings. The program exploits commercial and coalition communication options to maximize secure connectivity, employing technologies such as anomaly detection, zero-trust policy enforcement, and multi-networking for redundancy. Prototyping efforts include leveraging non-terrestrial networks, such as satellites and drones, and Radio Access Network (RAN) sharing between commercial and private operators. Activities include Secure Transit over Untrusted Networks (STUN) and Command and Control FutureG INDOPACOM Relocatable Experimentation (CFIRE), which have been integrated into major exercises like Orient Shield and VALIANT SHIELD to demonstrate secure, resilient communications in contested environments. FY 2025 also includes a congressional add for Navy Flightline 5G Network Expansion in the INDOPACOM region.

Resilient and Open Commercial Solutions is dedicated to researching and leveraging Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) technologies to accelerate secure and resilient next-generation networks for DoD missions. The program supports the development of policies, regulations, and standards for streamlined deployment of protected networks and conducts security vulnerability assessments to inform zero-trust designs for military 5G applications. Efforts are also directed toward influencing international standards and strengthening technology relationships with allies and partners to promote open, interoperable, and secure FutureG innovations. The project aligns with DoD CIO recommendations on standards and spectrum policy and supports the adoption of modular, multi-vendor solutions.

Integrated Sensing and Communications is a new start in FY 2026, focusing on research and development of systems that combine sensing and communications capabilities. The program collaborates with industry and academia to identify key technology areas, such as using ambient signals for object and event detection and integrating sensing functions into communications networks. Initial efforts include lab-based demonstrations to assess utility for DoD applications, with the goal of establishing long-term research paths that provide leap-ahead capabilities and support emerging requirements, such as those related to the Golden Dome for America initiative.

These projects under the Next Generation Information Communications Technology (5G) program are structured to address both immediate and future operational needs of the U.S. military. By leveraging commercial advancements, conducting rigorous experimentation, and fostering partnerships across government, industry, and allied nations, the program seeks to ensure that DoD communications infrastructure remains secure, resilient, and technologically superior. The budget reflects a dynamic approach, with funding adjustments based on project transitions, realignments, and congressional direction to prioritize impactful research and development activities.