In the course of these tests, called the “Digital Highway”, a robotic device was presented that can autonomously scan the battlefield in search of an enemy. It was operated by Spanish troops 2,000 miles from the site of the exercise, made possible by 5G networks. NATO’s goal is to technologically outpace potential adversaries, including slave labor, and increase the interoperability of troops from different countries.

Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds noted that NATO seeks to coordinate the work of various systems, including ground robots and unmanned aerial vehicles, which is especially important in light of modern threats.