Nokia has handed over its advanced Banshee tactical private wireless solutions to enhance battlefield connectivity in support of the US Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity (MCTSSA).
The move marks a significant step in the US Marine Corps’ (USMC) efforts to ensure seamless, secure, and resilient communications for its tactical operations.
In early 2025, MCTSSA procured multiple Banshee units for further evaluation and integration into Marine Corps exercises.
Nokia facilitated this integration by providing comprehensive training to MCTSSA and other Marine Corps units on the operations, setup, and troubleshooting of private wireless networks, as well as live demonstrations of Banshee’s capabilities.
The Nokia Banshee family, which offers a high-speed, long-range, and secure tactical communication solution, allows for rapid deployment in challenging conditions.
Said to be cost-efficient, the commercial off-the-shelf system uses industry research and development investments to present a scalable alternative to traditional USMC communications systems.
Nokia Federal Solutions chief revenue officer Scott Ferguson said: “Banshee is a game-changer for the warfighter, providing the Marine Corps with a powerful, scalable private wireless solution that meets the demand of modern warfare.
“We are honoured to support MCTSSA and the Marine Corps as they modernise battlefield connectivity while enhancing operational efficiency and resilience.”
Banshee’s lightweight, user-friendly design and advanced security features ensure resilient, mission-critical connectivity, which aligns with MCTSSA’s objective to modernise battlefield communications.
Nokia’s collaboration with the Marine Corps spans several years, focusing on testing and refining next-generation communication capabilities to meet critical operational needs.
In 2023, a two-day proof-of-concept was conducted at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, where the Banshee system demonstrated its ability to provide secure, high-capacity tactical communications that surpassed expectations.
The subsequent partnership between Nokia and the Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity (MCTSSA) at Project Convergence showcased the effectiveness of Banshee in denied, disrupted, intermittent, and limited (DDIL) environments.
These demonstrations have highlighted the system’s capacity to enable resilient, high-speed connectivity across joint warfighting networks.
MCTSSA cyber network operation officer captain Eric Perez said: “High bandwidth, low latency transport is critical for sensor-to-shooter integration, enabling real-time data flow from sensors to weapon systems.
“This ensures precise, timely strikes, maintaining battlefield advantage. Even slight delays can jeopardise missions, making robust connectivity a strategic necessity for lethality and adaptability in modern warfare.”
