U-FIRST: Transformer-based Framework for Secure and Intelligent UAV Communication in Battlefield Environment Underlying 5G

This paper presents U-FIRST, an innovative Transformer-based communication framework designed for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) operating within the Internet of Battlefield Things (IoBT) over 5G networks. Our proposed framework blends the high-speed, low-latency capabilities of 5G alongside Transformer models to optimize real-time communication, routing, and decision-making between UAVs, ground stations, and battlefield assets. Among the models tested, BERT achieved the highest classification accuracy of 92.2% in detecting communication anomalies and cyber-attacks, depicting its effectiveness in ensuring safe, secure, and reliable communication. We prove the superior performance and adaptive nature of the U-FIRST framework in hostile battlefield environments via extensive simulations.