Samsung has expanded its rugged tablet lineup with a specialized device designed for military operations. The new Galaxy Tab Active5 Tactical Edition represents a significant advancement in field-ready technology, developed in collaboration with the US Department of Defense to meet the demanding requirements of special operations teams working in high-stakes environments.
Military-Grade Design and Durability
The Galaxy Tab Active5 Tactical Edition builds upon the foundation of Samsung's standard Tab Active5 released earlier this year but incorporates specialized features for battlefield use. The device maintains the impressive IP68 rating for dust and water resistance along with MIL-STD-810H certification, ensuring functionality in extreme conditions including high altitudes, extreme temperatures, vibration, and humidity. The 8-inch WUXGA display is protected by Gorilla Glass 5 and supports operation with wet fingers, gloves, and the included rugged S Pen, making it practical for field use regardless of environmental conditions. The tablet is also kneeboard-ready for aviation applications and stable enough for use in both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft.
Galaxy Tab Active5 Tactical Edition Key Specifications:
- Display: 8-inch WUXGA with up to 120Hz refresh rate, Gorilla Glass 5
- Processor: 5nm Exynos 1380 octa-core
- Memory: 6GB RAM, 128GB storage (expandable to 1TB)
- Battery: Removable 5,050mAh
- Cameras: 13MP rear, 5MP front
- Connectivity: 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, dual SIM (physical + eSIM)
- Durability: IP68 water/dust resistance, MIL-STD-810H certification
- Security: Samsung Knox, Knox Vault, Knox DualDAR
- Certifications: CSfC, NIAP, FIPS 140-2/3.1, DODIN APL, DISA STIG
Advanced Tactical Features
What truly sets this device apart are its specialized tactical capabilities. The tablet features a 5G band-locking mode that enables secure connections to certified networks. For covert operations, users can activate Stealth Mode, which disables cellular connectivity and mutes radio frequency broadcasting, or Covert Lock mode, which turns off the modem and GPS to prevent radio frequency emissions. The display includes a Night Vision mode compatible with NV goggles, allowing operators to view the screen without compromising their night vision capabilities. These features demonstrate Samsung's understanding of the unique requirements of military personnel operating in sensitive environments.
Tactical Features:
- 5G band-locking mode
- Stealth Mode (disables cellular connectivity)
- Covert Lock mode (disables modem, GPS, cameras)
- Night Vision display mode
- Optimized for ATAK and BATDOK military applications
- Tactical Settings for offline configuration
- Touch sensitivity works with gloves and wet hands
- Kneeboard-ready for aviation use
Powerful Performance Specifications
Under the hood, the Tab Active5 Tactical Edition is powered by Samsung's 5nm Exynos 1380 octa-core processor, paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The storage can be expanded up to 1TB with a microSD card, providing ample space for mission-critical applications and data. The device includes a removable 5,050mAh battery, allowing for quick replacement in the field without powering down the entire unit. For connectivity, the tablet supports 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC, with dual SIM capability through a physical SIM slot and eSIM support.
Enhanced Security Protocols
Security is paramount for military applications, and Samsung has significantly enhanced its Knox security platform for this device. The Tab Active5 Tactical Edition features dual-layer encryption and has been certified by the National Security Agency (NSA) to access classified information securely. It incorporates Samsung Knox, Knox Vault, and Knox DualDAR technologies, providing protection for data up to top-secret classification. The device has received numerous security certifications, including CSfC, NIAP, FIPS 140-2/3.1, DODIN APL, and DISA STIG, and supports dual VPN chaining for secure connections in sensitive environments.
Specialized Military Software Support
The tablet comes optimized for critical military applications such as ATAK (Android Team Awareness Kit) and BATDOK (Battlefield Assisted Trauma Distributed Observation Kit). The latter enables medics to wirelessly monitor multiple patients' vital signs simultaneously, potentially saving lives in combat situations. Additionally, the device supports integration with tactical radios, drones, GPS units, and other mission systems. It also comes preloaded with Tactical Settings for offline setup and policy configuration, allowing for rapid deployment in the field without requiring network connectivity.
Availability and Distribution
Unlike Samsung's consumer products, the Galaxy Tab Active5 Tactical Edition follows a specialized distribution model. It's currently available exclusively through Vertex Wireless and is certified for use in classified military operations. Interested parties must contact Samsung through a special form to receive information from a sales representative. No public pricing has been announced, reflecting the specialized nature of this product and its intended user base.