Ericsson has been selected to provide services and components for the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense’s £8 billion tactical communications overhaul. The Swedish technology firm was chosen under the RM6393 framework, which establishes a procurement vehicle for military-grade technology through June 2034.
The agreement places Ericsson in lots one and three, covering services and components. This selection positions the company to supply and integrate tactical 5G systems directly into the defense sector. The framework supports Project Morpheus, prioritizing resilient battlefield communications that combine private 5G, satellite, and mesh networks to assist personnel, vehicles, and drones.
Nadine Allen, head of Ericsson in the UK, stated that modern defense requires a new level of connectivity where data-driven capabilities are essential for operational success. She noted that the company is proud to bring its global leadership in 5G and mission-critical networks to support the UK’s defense modernization.
Allen added that the framework allows Ericsson to work directly with the Ministry of Defense to deliver secure, resilient, and future-proof communications.
The RM6393 framework splits procurement into three lots for services, systems, and components. Over 70 suppliers were selected in total, with 55, 67, and 74 chosen for the respective lots. Ericsson’s appointment highlights a contrast with rival 5G vendor Nokia, which is not on the direct supply roster. Nokia is reportedly working through defense primes and integrators rather than selling directly into military procurement channels.
Other notable suppliers include UK telco BT, which won a position on lot two for systems integration and backbone fiber support. Finnish vendor KNL, part of the Norwegian telco Telenor Group, was appointed to supply high-frequency radio systems. The UK arm of global integrator CDW secured places across all three categories, while private UK-based integrator Exponential-e was selected in two.
