Modernising Military Operations: Project Zodiac, Systematic, and the digitalisation of the British Army
The British Army’s Project Zodiac is a 10-year modernisation programme, intended to totally overhaul the Army’s deployable digital system.
The aim is to deliver an integrated Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) system that will operate within the Degraded, Denied, Intermittent and Limited-Bandwidth (DDIL) communications environment of the modern battlefield. In September 2023 the prime contractor Roke confirmed they will be working together with their partners to deliver the next two years of this extensive project.
“Our software is helping to speed up the sensor-decider-effector process, which is really important for modern operations,”
As part of this collaborative work Systematic is providing its expertise in developing robust software solutions that will enable a more streamlined data intake process. By leveraging advanced algorithms and intuitive interfaces, the SitaWare Suite enables seamless integration of diverse data sources, ranging from reconnaissance reports to real-time sensor feeds. This unified data environment not only enhances situational awareness but also empowers commanders with actionable insights in real-time, enabling them to make informed decisions with unprecedented speed and precision.
One of the key contributions of Systematic to Project Zodiac lies in optimising the sensor-decider-effector process, which forms the backbone of modern military operations. By automating repetitive tasks and leveraging artificial intelligence, Systematic's software solutions have significantly accelerated the decision-making process, allowing commanders to react swiftly to emerging threats.
This enhanced responsiveness not only reduces the risk of mission failure but also maximises the operational tempo, thereby amplifying the overall lethality of the British Army. Zodiac is built on an open architecture principle, ensuring future sensors and systems can be integrated quickly and easily. This principle also allows for more efficient communication both vertically and across the chain of command, enabling faster decision making between allied forces – vital when operating as part of a NATO force.
As part of this project a team of our Solutions Engineers were sent out to support PCC4 exercises in the US earlier this year. Senior solutions engineer for Systematic; Geoff Wilman shared his insights on the exercise. “Our software is helping to speed up the sensor-decider-effector process, which is really important for modern operations,” he said. “This allows for faster more effective decision making and collaborative communications.”
Being on the ground with the British Army during the PCC4 exercise allowed a unique opportunity between Geoff and our team of engineers and the end users. Putting Zodiac into users’ hands as early as possible in its development ensures that users inform its evolution, allowing for tweaks and changes that will ensure it meets the army’s requirements.
Test Manager Adrian Harvey, a key member of the PC22 project, shared his thoughts on Systematic’s ongoing involvement. “We are pleased to see the successful implementation of SitaWare software within this ongoing project, “he said. “Being actively on-site for project convergence earlier this year enabled our engineers to make real-time adaptations under live conditions, highlighting the importance of such activities during development.”
