In the high-stakes world of national security, you’d think the biggest threat might come from sophisticated cyberattacks or cutting-edge weaponry. But for the US Department of Defense (DoD), one of their most pressing challenges comes from something far more mundane: cellphone networks. At the center of this dilemma is Huawei, the Chinese tech giant that’s become the world’s top telecom equipment manufacturer.
In 2019, Congress passed a law banning US agencies from using Huawei gear or contracting with companies that do, citing security concerns. Sounds straightforward, right? Not really. The DoD has found itself in a classic “between a rock and a hard place” situation. On one hand, they need to comply with the law. On the other hand, Huawei’s global dominance means finding alternatives is easier said than done.
This predicament has led to some rather unusual scenarios. For example, US Special Forces are on a covert mission in Africa, relying on local networks powered by the very company they’re supposed to avoid. Or imagine high-ranking Pentagon officials at the Paris Air Show with their smartphones pinging off Huawei-built cell towers. It’s a situation that would be comical if it weren’t so serious.
The Pentagon’s solution has been to push for waivers, arguing that strict adherence to the law could jeopardize everything from medical supplies to clothing procurement.
However, Congress isn’t exactly jumping at the chance to grant these exemptions. The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act draft is conspicuously absent of any such allowances. It seems lawmakers are sticking to their guns, even if it means the DoD might have to stick to less efficient tech for communication.
This isn’t just a US problem, either. When the United Arab Emirates was pressured to ditch Huawei, they essentially said, “Show us a cheaper alternative, and we’ll talk.” As it turns out, in the global telecom market, Huawei isn’t just ubiquitous; it’s also cost-effective.
So, what’s the way forward? The Pentagon is exploring several options. They’re looking to ally nations for help, hoping that friendship and shared values might translate into shared telecom solutions. They’re also considering ramping up investment in domestic tech innovation. After all, nothing solves a problem quite like throwing money at it.
