In the largest NATO “Digital Backbone Experiment” the use of unmanned systems in complex environments will be tested

From 27 October to 7 November, NATO’s Largest Digital Backbone Experiment “DiBaX 2025” will take place at military base “Ādaži” and virtually across several NATO nations. This year, “DiBaX” will strategically focus on the use of unmanned vehicles in contested environments and the application of artificial intelligence in detection and decision-making tasks.

“DiBaX” is the only military technology experiment of this scale that NATO has been conducting in Latvia for already four years. This demonstrates the advancement of our defence industry in the field of 5G technologies, the National Armed Forces’ contribution to innovation development and Latvia’s defence infrastructure capacity to host such high level experiments,” underlines Andris Spruds, Minister of Defence of Latvia.

“Allied Command Transformation is ensuring that digital opportunities are implemented into NATO’s processes and activities. The Command conducts Capability Development, conceptual and operational experimentation efforts to rapidly progress the fielding and transition to service of NATO Digital Backbone capabilities for the NATO Enterprise and selected NATO Force Structure,” notes US Navy Vice Adm. Jeffrey W. Hughes, Deputy Chief of Staff for Capability Development, Supreme Allied Command Transformation, NATO.

“DiBaX” is not only a technology experiment – it is a testament to Latvia’s ability to be at the forefront of NATO's digital transformation process. For the fourth consecutive year, LMT has served as the technology integrator for this experiment, and each year we witness significant growth – more participating nations, more complex tasks and a higher technological benchmark,” says PhD. Juris Binde, President of LMT. “Of particular importance is the increasing involvement of Latvian defence industry companies, developing solutions tailored to the battlefield of the future. This cooperation between the public and private sectors, combined with modern technological capabilities, enables us to achieve remarkable results today in strengthening our national defence.”

The digital backbone is a vital component of NATO’s infrastructure, enabling connectivity for complex Multi-Domain Operations. During the DiBaX, the latest technological advancements will be demonstrated and assessed for integration into real-world environments to enhance interoperability and efficiency among Allied Forces.

“DiBaX” is led by NATO HQ SACT, the Latvian Ministry of Defence and the Latvian National Armed Forces. LMT is the integrator of the event providing the state-of-the-art 5G Test Site.

Notice to the residents! 

During the experiment, from 27 October to 7 November, planned unnamed aerial vehicle flights of various types and sizes will take place across Latvia, including the Latvia-Estonia border area. Residents are kindly advised not to concern upon observing unmanned aerial vehicles and to follow updates on the “Latvijas Armija” X and Facebook pages. 

Media contacts:

MoD Military Public Affairs Department
Media Relations Section
E-mail: prese@mod.gov.lv