Home  /  Newsroom  /  News  /  NCIA Chief Digital Innovation and Technology contributes to 5G Techritory in Latvia

Nov 1 2024

NCIA Chief Digital Innovation and Technology contributes to 5G Techritory in Latvia


On 30 and 31 October 2024, NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) Chief Digital Innovation and Technology Luz Fernandez participated in 5G Techritory in Riga, Latvia. During the two-day event, she contributed to discussions on digital transformation and connectivity with industry, policymakers and leaders across Europe.


On day one she provided a keynote speech focused on the current geopolitical situation and the need for an enhanced digitalization of defence forces. She shared key insights into NATO’s efforts in digital transformation and the key connectivity drivers for innovation.

NCIA Chief Digital Innovation and Technology contributes to 5G Techritory in Latvia

On day two, she participated in a panel titled ‘Connected Forces: The integration of mobile connectivity into defensive operations and strategies.’ Participants included Žaneta Ozoliņa, Latvian Transatlantic Organisation Board Member; Evija Sīpola, Head of Communication and Information System Department at the Latvian National Armed Forces; Ingmārs Pūķis, Latvian Mobile Telephone (LTM) Vice President; and Stephen Douglas, Head of Marketing at Spirent Communications. Panellists discussed the integration of mobile connectivity and associated challenges, the balance between rapid adoption of mobile connectivity technologies and operational security, among other critical topics.

Fernandez shared insights into NATO’s technical activities in the areas of capability development and interoperability, and how NCIA is harnessing 5G technologies to support NATO operations. She also explained the role NCIA plays in exploring the use of 5G to facilitate interoperability in multinational scenarios, and conducting standardization activities with Allied Nations and industry so that future mobile standards can meet military specifications.

NCIA reinforces NATO's ability to adapt to emerging challenges by providing cutting-edge technology and innovation, and fostering NATO's digital transformation. These efforts are led by NCIA's Chief Technology Office, which focuses on modernizing NATO's digital backbone to enable multi-domain operations, and maximizing data value and exploitation within the Alliance to achieve cognitive and decision superiority.

These efforts and future roadmaps are part of the NCIA’s Technology Strategy, which will be officially unveiled at NATO Edge 24, NATO’s technology and business event, in Tampa, Florida, in December. The Strategy outlines NCIA’s vision for harnessing technology to drive innovation, efficiency and effectiveness across NATO. Find out more about this flagship event here.