Exercise Capstone: SitaWare software delivers seamless interoperability for Irish Defence Forces

Exercise Capstone 2026 demonstrated SitaWare software’s capability to provide Irish DF personnel a shared, real-time picture of the battlespace

Systematic recently partnered with the Irish Defence Forces on Capstone 2026, a landmark exercise that integrated SitaWare software with Thales software-defined radios (SDRs). Capstone delivered crucial insights into the value of end-to-end interoperability in the modern battlespace, empowering personnel across echelons with easy-to-use command and control (C2) software.

Capstone took place in April 2026 and involved personnel from the Communications and Information Services (CIS) Corps and 1 Mechanised Infantry Company (1 MIC). The exercise integrated SitaWare Headquarters, SitaWare Frontline and SitaWare Edge software with Thales vehicle-mounted and handheld radios.

Capstone focused on interoperability and cutting-edge situational awareness. It was built on improved collective awareness and decision-making across assets and assigned forces; crucially, these capabilities play a vital role in enhancing force protection in the modern battlespace.

Connecting every echelon

The exercise integrated personnel across every level, including dismounted soldiers using SitaWare Edge on handheld devices, vehicle-mounted terminals utilising SitaWare Frontline, and the deployment of SitaWare Headquarters at Tactical Operations Centres (TOC), all informing the Common Operating Picture (COP) at the Higher HQ.

Systematic worked with the Irish DF across the two major phases of the exercise, said Chris Harris, Lead Solution Architect at Systematic. Two engineers supported the initial ‘technical ramp-up’ phase, while a training specialist joined the team for the ‘execute’ phase.

To deliver on the interoperability requirement, it was essential that every element of the force contributed to a single and shared understanding of the battlespace, from dismounted personnel to headquarters level.

This was successfully demonstrated in Capstone. Exercise participants noted the benefits of using the same software for battle management across dismounts, vehicles and headquarters, Harris said.

SitaWare software delivered this interoperability through its SitaWare Tactical Communication (STC) software component, which is designed to orchestrate data exchange across denied, degraded, intermittent and limited (DDIL) environments faced with low bandwidth, high latency and other challenges.

A partnership built on trust

Capstone is just the latest example of Systematic’s close and longstanding relationship with the Irish Defence Forces, which began in 2012. This partnership has expanded over the years, fostering a highly successful, collaborative approach to capability development.

“The collaboration ensures the ability of the SitaWare software to deliver seamless exchange of sensor data, plans, chat, everything you need for situational awareness,” Harris explained.

During Capstone, the Defence Forces CIS Base Workshops team worked closely with Systematic and Thales to develop a driver for STC that enabled it to interface directly with the SDRs. The CIS team made a particularly important contribution during testing, noted Harris.

Designed for the operator 

Exercise participants stressed the ease of use of the software, a crucial priority in the modern battlespace.

“Soldiers required minimal prompting to navigate the interface, report locations and receive tasks, allowing them to focus on the mission rather than the technology – and that's how it should be,” said Harris.

Harris emphasised how the user experience is a crucial priority for Systematic. The company partners with ex-military operators to ensure user experience teams understand what works best in an operational context, covering everything from wording, to colours, to button sizes. In addition, the language used across the SitaWare Suite of products is consistent and clear, ensuring consistency from headquarters to the tactical edge.

Such ease of use is built on close cooperation with users, including ongoing work with the Irish Defence Forces. Systematic integrates user feedback as early as possible, making pre-release features available to operators to ensure everything is validated before general release.

The company also conducts user forums and other events to engage with partners and users, implementing lessons learned to refine any issues and provide the smoothest possible experience.

A roadmap for the future

Systematic will continue collaborating closely with the Irish Defence Forces to maximise the value of their existing SitaWare investment, Harris said. This will be further extended through targeted capability development, including ongoing upgrades and the integration of additional platforms and systems.

“This partnership represents a coordinated programme of work to evolve the capability in line with operational needs, improving interoperability, situational awareness and decision-making across the Defence Forces,” he concluded.