Why NATO has Tapped Oracle, Druid for Secure Private 5G

In a landmark deployment showcasing the capabilities of private 5G, the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE) has selected Oracle and its partner, Druid Software, to deliver secure, portable 5G networks. Engineered to support NATO’s research, development and complex war gaming exercises, the solution validates a robust architecture for secure interoperability between allied nations’ communication networks.

The project addresses a core challenge in multinational operations: enabling secure, seamless roaming and data federation across disparate networks. Based in Tallinn, Estonia, the CCDCOE serves as NATO’s cyber defence hub, making it an ideal environment for testing and deploying next-generation communication solutions.

The private networks provide the dedicated, high-performance connectivity necessary for cyber defence exercises that simulate threats against critical infrastructure, marking a significant advancement in the alliance’s operational technology.

Architecting secure interconnect with Oracle’s 5G SEPP

A key outcome of the collaboration was the successful pilot programme, which verified Oracle’s 5G Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP) for securing interconnect traffic.

In a 5G Service-Based Architecture (SBA), the SEPP acts as a critical security gateway, protecting all roaming messages on the N32 interface between different core networks. Its validation confirms its efficacy in delivering confidentiality and integrity for 5G interconnect roaming, a capability essential for global communications service providers.

The deployment of Oracle’s SEPP software provides a secure framework for NATO to safeguard battlefield and research data while guaranteeing reliable connectivity between allied forces. The architecture’s ability to support portable, private networks with seamless roaming delivers a distinct tactical advantage.

“Secure, resilient 5G adds a vital layer to existing communications, while portable, private networks with seamless roaming enable faster, more effective data sharing, keeping NATO forces a step ahead of adversaries,” explains Tõnis Saar, Director of the CCDCOE.

The Raemis Platform: A flexible core for private tactical networks

At the heart of the portable network is Druid Software’s Raemis platform, a feature-rich 5G core network solution designed for private enterprise and mission-critical applications.

During the pilot, the Raemis core was deployed on Oracle Roving Edge Devices, demonstrating a robust and compact “network-in-a-box” solution suitable for tactical edge environments where portability and rapid deployment are essential.

The combination of Druid’s agile core and Oracle’s ruggedised edge infrastructure provides the foundation for robust roaming and network federation. It allows NATO to establish secure, high-performance networks on demand, ensuring superior interoperability for joint operations in high-pressure scenarios.

“Advanced 5G networks must deliver uncompromising data security to protect mission-critical communications,” says Liam Kenny, CEO of Druid Software.

“The combination of our Raemis platform with Oracle’s technologies provides NATO with secure and robust roaming and network federation capabilities, for greater interoperability and for operational superiority in high-pressure scenarios,” he adds

A multi-layered security model for mission-critical data

The solution’s security posture extends beyond the interconnect gateway. The Oracle SEPP is engineered with Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA) recommended firewall capabilities and extensive security hardening measures.

It implements a multi-layered defence strategy, including encryption in transit to protect data flowing across the network and encryption at rest to secure sensitive information stored on media at the edge. The comprehensive approach ensures end-to-end data protection against a wide range of threats.

The validation provides a blueprint for service providers and enterprises tasked with protecting sensitive data flows, whether for government, public safety or industrial use cases.

“Safeguarding mission-critical and sensitive information over communications networks is paramount to national and global security,” states Andrew Morawski, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Oracle Regulated Industries.

“By bolstering 5G data security across roaming networks, Oracle technologies will help NATO forces enhance data integrity and gain operational advantages in high-stakes scenario planning and testing,” he adds.

For the telecommunications industry, the deployment serves as a powerful case study, proving the viability of private 5G and secure interconnect technologies in one of the world’s most demanding security environments.