# Harnessing the Potential of Emerging Technologies to Break Down Barriers in Tactical Communications
###### Abstract  
In the realm of military communications, the advent of new technologies like 5G and the future 6G networks holds promise. However, incorporating these technologies into tactical environments presents unique security challenges. This article delves into an analysis of these challenges by examining practical use cases for military communications, where emerging technologies can be applied. Our focus lies on identifying and presenting a range of emerging technologies associated with 5G and 6G, including the Internet of things (IoT), tactile internet, network virtualization and softwarization, artificial intelligence, network slicing, digital twins, neuromorphic processors, joint sensing and communications, and blockchain. We specifically explore their applicability in tactical environments by proposing where they can be potential use cases. Additionally, we provide an overview of legacy tactical radios so that they can be researched to address the challenges posed by these technologies. t pacs: 4  
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Furthermore, the advancements brought by 5G offer significant enhancements to defense systems across land, sea, air, and space, particularly in terms of safety. In this context, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) performed a preliminary evaluation of 5G technologies and their potential for tactical applications in [3], identifying four main areas where 5G could have a place:  
1. Static mission communications. 2. Communications and information systems (CISs) for expeditionary missions and operations. 3. Maritime missions and operations. 4. Tactical missions and operations. However, it fails to establish the correlation between emerging technologies and their applicability in various operational scenarios within these domains. Recent independent studies have been conducted to explore the potential of integrating 5G capabilities into military operations. One such critical 5G technology, network slicing, was initially proposed for military use in [4]. Alongside 5G, software-defined networking (SDN) plays a pivotal role in ensuring enhanced network scalability. The work presented in [5] introduces a mechanism that dynamically guarantees quality of service (QoS) for user data flow by leveraging SDN in diverse tactical networks. Sensor networks hold indispensable significance on the battlefield, and with the advent of the Internet of things (IoT), these networks can provide even greater advantages in the tactical realm as scrutinized in [6]. Achieving interoperability between systems is paramount in defense operations, particularly between command and control (C2) systems. In [7], the authors delve into the concepts and pathways that C2 systems should adopt, incorporating IoT networks. Moving past the realm of 5G, the study conducted by NCIA as outlined in [3] holds significant importance in the NATO 2030 agenda as highlighted in [8]. This agenda emphasizes the strategic consideration of artificial intelligence, data autonomy, quantum-enabled technologies, hyper-sonic technologies, and biotechnology in the evolutionary path of military communications. These technologies collectively chart the course from 5G towards the anticipated sixth generation (6G) as discussed in [9], with AI taking center stage. Initial proposals are outlined in [10], where reinforcement learning, as an AI technique, is employed to enable autonomous learning by agents within tactical networks, ultimately enhancing situational awareness. In the framework of improving tactical scenarios with emerging technologies, we highlight introducing artificial intelligence in the systems and the technology evolution roadmap because this will be the key to the next generation of networks, 6G [9].