In the face of the unprecedented and growing scale of cyber threats in the Baltic states and across the entire Central and Eastern European (CEE) region, there is an urgent need to leverage dual-use technologies to strengthen security. Private 5G networks designed for both civilian and military purposes may become a crucial strategic asset. Closer international and cross-sector cooperation across the region is essential to building true resilience — argued CEE experts gathered in Riga at the Techritory conference.
Policymakers, industry experts, technology providers and researchers participating in the dialogue — organised by the Digital Poland Association, the CEE Digital Coalition and IS-Wireless — discussed the need to implement 5G networks, and eventually 6G, with both civilian and defence applications in mind. Their goal: to reinforce the technological security of the Baltic states and the CEE region as a whole, particularly given ongoing dependencies on suppliers outside NATO. The discussion took place during the annual Techritory conference, which brings together leading experts in telecommunications and digitalisation. A key theme was the growing importance of dual-use technologies and the convergence of commercial and defence-grade solutions.
Rising threats demand a coordinated response
The Baltic states and other CEE countries are facing a rapidly increasing number of cyberattacks. The scale of cyber threats and cybersecurity incidents in the region is unprecedented.
“The cyber threat landscape in the Baltic states, in Poland and across the region has changed dramatically in recent years. The number of major cybersecurity incidents in Estonia doubled in 2024 compared with the previous year. In Latvia, cyberattacks on state institutions have increased fourfold since 2022. We are seeing a similar rise in Lithuania. Poland remains one of the most frequently targeted countries in Europe and globally. In 2024, only 17% of Polish companies did not experience a cybersecurity incident. This clearly shows that digital security has become an integral part of national security. The current geopolitical environment requires strict control over digital infrastructure — including 5G networks, data and radio spectrum,” said Michał Kanownik, President of the Digital Poland Association, opening the session in Riga.
The strategic importance of dual-use technologies
According to the experts gathered in Riga, dual-use technologies — those that can be used for both civilian and military purposes — are a key pillar in addressing the complex security challenges facing the region.
“The advanced technology market is an enormous challenge for small domestic deep-tech companies, which are forced to compete with global tech giants. For these innovative companies to grow, strong political will and strategic decisions supporting national solutions are needed — just as we have seen in Ukraine. But we cannot wait for conflict to force change. The NATO DIANA Rapid Adoption Scheme is a practical, joint step forward, enabling faster integration of trusted technologies while respecting allied diplomatic principles. It is crucial that such frameworks continue to evolve, empowering smaller innovators without destabilising international relations,” argued Sławomir Pietrzyk, CEO of IS-Wireless — a dual-use 5G network provider for industry and tactical applications, actively participating in NATO’s DIANA accelerator (Phase 2).
Participants also highlighted successful examples of dual-use technology deployment worldwide — including public–military cooperation in building mobile tactical networks for battlefield operations and integrating private 5G networks with tactical systems to secure interoperability in defence. The session enabled knowledge exchange between countries across the region.
A call to action
The discussion concluded with a strong call for deeper regional cooperation between the public sector and technology providers to enhance security through the deployment of dual-use technologies.
“There is a clear need to accelerate the rollout of private 5G networks for defence, critical infrastructure, port logistics and industrial facilities. Equally important is encouraging both public and private investment — essential to safeguarding connectivity and resilience in crisis scenarios. International and cross-sector cooperation within the region must be strengthened — including through NATO, the EU and other cybersecurity and connectivity initiatives,” the participants agreed in Riga.
“Although national authorities and public institutions are actively involved in the development of 5G — both for civilian and military purposes — Europe still does not fully leverage the expertise and potential of the private sector, where ambitious companies are ready to work with the public sector to enhance our connectivity and security. Public–private cooperation remains a major untapped opportunity when it comes to 5G,” concluded Michał Kanownik.
Source: https://ceo.com.pl/prywatne-sieci-5g-dual-use-kluczowe-dla-bezpieczenstwa-regionu-35628
