HELSINKI, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Finnish telecom equipment maker Nokia on Wednesday unveiled an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven strategy, a new long-term profit target and plans to launch a dedicated defense unit.

Nokia aims to raise annual comparable operating profit to between 2.7 billion euros (3.1 billion U.S. dollars) and 3.2 billion euros by 2028, up from 2 billion euros generated between the fourth quarter of 2024 and the third quarter of 2025.

The company said its new strategy focuses on accelerating growth in AI and cloud services and pushing the industry toward AI-native networks and 6G.

To support the shift, Nokia will reorganize on Jan. 1, 2026, into two main operating segments: network infrastructure and mobile infrastructure.

The company will also create Nokia Defense, an incubation unit serving as the central hub for research, development and commercialization of defense-focused connectivity solutions. Nokia said it sees growing demand for defense-grade fixed and mobile technology.

"Nokia changed the world once by connecting people - and will again by connecting intelligence," President and CEO Justin Hotard said.

Market reaction was muted. Finnish media reported that Nokia's share price had fallen 7 percent to 5.25 euros by early evening. (1 euro = 1.15 U.S. dollar) Enditem