Nokia expands defense portfolio with acquisition of Fenix ​​Group

Networks and digital war

Nokia Corporation’s logo is displayed in its pavilion during the World Mobility Congress in Barcelona, ​​Spain, February 28, 2024. (Photo by Joan Cros/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

WASHINGTON — Finnish telecommunications company Nokia announced Wednesday it has completed its acquisition of privately held Fenix ​​Group, a Virginia-based defense company specializing in tactical communications.

“Fenix’s experience in broadband tactical communications perfectly complements our existing offerings, and together we will be even better positioned to deliver efficient, secure and reliable solutions to our defense customers, helping them achieve their mission-critical goals” – Mike Loomis, President Nokia Federal Solutions stated wa press release.

This acquisition allows Nokia, a $22 billion company with nearly 87,000 employees, to continue its expansion into the defense sector. Nokia will add two Fenix ​​radios to its lineup: the Banshee family of systems – handheld, static or mobile devices that the company says have hundreds of end users – and the Talon MANET radios, a lower-cost design offering 25 Mbps throughput.

“Nokia is now well-positioned to further expand its role as a key technology provider for mission-critical needs,” the press release said.

“We are thrilled to officially join forces with Nokia. By combining our innovative solutions with Nokia’s global reach and resources, we can create even greater value for our customers and make a significant impact on the future of secure military communications,” said Dave Peterson, CEO of Fenix ​​Group, in a press release.

The acquisition, first announced late last year, comes after the Defense Innovation Division selected both companies to provide ad hoc tactical private wireless communications to warfighters in 2021. Because Nokia is a foreign entity, its acquisition must be approved by the Defense Commission. Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).