Zero Trust Integration in 5G Military Communication Networks and a Technical Framework for Cyber Resilience

Fifth-generation (5G) communication networks provide unprecedented opportunities for military operations, offering ultra-low latency, massive device connectivity, and enhanced bandwidth. At the same time, they introduce new vulnerabilities, including risks associated with network slicing, edge computing, and the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Traditional perimeter-based security models are insufficient to address these threats, particularly in contested or grey-zone environments where adversaries deliberately exploit ambiguities below the threshold of armed conflict. This paper proposes a Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) framework for 5G-enabled military communication networks. The framework integrates continuous authentication, least-privilege access, microsegmentation of network slices, and AI-driven anomaly detection to ensure resilience against insider threats and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. Scenario-based evaluation demonstrates that Zero Trust reduces both the likelihood and impact of such attacks, maintaining command-and-control (C2) continuity even under adversarial conditions. The findings underscore the importance of embedding Zero Trust into military communication infrastructures, both as a technical solution and as a strategic enabler of NATO and EU defence resilience.