New Delhi: The 5G is a 5th-generation wireless mobile network. It is the new cellular technology that will provide faster and more reliable communication. It surpasses the 4G Network, which could only send six to seven megabytes per second. This nascent technology can send two to twenty gigabytes per second. In advanced countries, a 4G network has a speed of 25 megabytes per second.
5G works in 3 bands which are low, medium and high-frequency spectra. The Low Spectrum speed is 100Kbps per second. This means that telecommunications organisations can use it for commercial cellphone users who do not have high-speed internet demands. The second band is the mid-spectrum band. This will provide higher speed and can be ideally used in factories and industrial units. But it lacks coverage of the area along with signal penetration issues.
The 3rd band is the High spectrum band. This provides the highest speed when compared to the former two bands. But again, it lacks coverage. However, this band is very suitable for advanced and futuristic technology such as the Internet of Things (IOT).
In the military sphere, the 4G and 5G technologies are generally used for communication. They enable the transmission of voices, data, videos and position locations. Many Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), command and control structures, and swarms of drones work in 4G and 5G technology.
Hypersonic missiles travel at a very high speed (Mach-5). They need to be properly guided to change direction and dodge interceptor missiles. The 5G will enable the transfer of volumes of data to the missile operator in a fraction of a second. It can also be used and applicable to missile defence systems of the country.
If a hypersonic missile is approaching a strategic base, city or ship, the detection of the projectile will require several parameters such as altitude, speed, and position in three-dimensional space. This can be easily achieved by 5G technology.
The 5G technology is akin to a boon for the ISR component of a nation’s military. The ISR stands for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capabilities. Current drones and missiles are unable to stream 4KB videos. With the induction of the 5G, streaming will be further enhanced, making the drone feasible for operations.
The 5G technology will be used in target acquisition and facial recognition, thus contributing to the safety and security of a military base and preventing infiltration and contributing to strengthening of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The 5G will provide Logistical assistance to the Military through Smart Warehousing Methods.
Modern Militaries are heavily dependent on data and information. It includes interconnected systems, soldiers, command posts, fighters and ships along with satellites. 5G will fulfil all these conditions and ensure a strong and hard Battle Network.
5G technology will be instrumental in Massive Machine Type Communication (MMTC). The MMTC will allow one million devices to operate smoothly and seamlessly in an area of 1 million square kilometres. Every soldier will carry many smart devices with him on the battlefield. In addition, 5G will be useful in Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality through the use of simulators and trainer aircraft to train pilots.
India is not behind in the club of nations that seek to integrate 5G into the armed forces.Recently, Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar said, “Armed forces also will need to migrate to 5G network considering the use of unmanned vehicles and AI in future”.
However, 5G technology has some cons as well. As noted by many experts, the 5G network will have poor penetration concerning foliage, walls and rainy situations. Short range is the second obstacle. A large number of towers will have to be constructed in challenging terrains which will be a tough situation for the military. They are also highly vulnerable to electronic jamming and threats from nearby transmitters.
An example, where 5G has been used, is the Predator drone used to kill Al-Zawahiri of Al Qaeda. It was deployed by Azerbaijan to destroy Armenian Armoured Formations. The Death of Qassim Suleimani of the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) is attributed to a drone attack which used 5G as an element.
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