NATO has launched its most extensive digital warfare exercise to date in Latvia, aimed at evaluating the synergy between artificial intelligence (AI) and unmanned systems within intricate operational landscapes. The two-week initiative, known as the Digital Backbone Experiment (DiBax 2025), commenced on October 27 at the Ādaži Military Base, fostering collaboration among allied militaries, defense companies, and research institutions from various countries.
The primary objective of this exercise is to test advanced technologies designed to bolster battlefield connectivity and resilience in the face of electronic and cyber disruptions. According to the Latvian Ministry of Defence, DiBaX 2025 is the only NATO experiment of its kind that integrates live trials with virtual simulations among alliance members, marking a significant step in collective defense strategies.
This year’s program places a strong emphasis on AI-driven detection and decision-making tools, alongside autonomous aerial and terrestrial vehicles capable of conducting reconnaissance and logistical operations even in environments where communications are compromised.
Latvian Defence Minister Andris Spruds remarked that this initiative signifies Latvia’s increasing involvement in digital defense innovations, particularly in the development of 5G-enabled military networks, reinforcing the country’s strategic importance within NATO.
DiBaX 2025 aligns with NATO’s overarching ambition to establish a cohesive digital infrastructure that integrates air, land, sea, cyber, and space forces through real-time data exchange. Managed by Allied Command Transformation, the initiative seeks to develop technologies that enhance interoperability among member states.
In previous exercises, NATO focused on testing AI-assisted decision-making tools, secure cloud-based command systems, and data fusion networks to improve operational coordination. Recent endeavors also delved into the potential of incorporating satellite communications and 5G technologies into battlefield command frameworks.
The concept of a “digital backbone” is intended to provide a robust foundation for future multi-domain operations, effectively linking sensors, command posts, and autonomous systems into a unified, synchronized network. This endeavor not only highlights NATO’s commitment to modernizing its operational capabilities but also reflects the growing importance of technological advancements in response to emerging threats in the global security landscape.
