Systematic makes global military system available in the cloud

Experiences from Ukraine show that access to real-time data and flexible cloud infrastructure is crucial for military success on the battlefield. That is why the Danish software company is now launching a cloud-based version of its widely used SitaWare command-and-control system. 

Danish software company Systematic has launched a new cloud-based version of its global command and control system SitaWare.  

The new  capability, named SitaWare BattleCloud, has been developed based on lessons learned from the war in Ukraine and is designed to strengthen defence forces' ability to make rapid and precise decisions – even in complex, digital and multi-domain operations. 

“The early phases of the war in Ukraine showed the critical utility of cloud computing for both civil and military operations: If servers are destroyed in an attack, all information wouldn't be lost. Instead, with data being moved into the cloud, the Ukrainians could still access information and functionalities, resulting in greater resilience and security,” says Andrew Graham, Group Senior Vice President for business development in Systematic's defence division. 

Cloud adoption is growing – but challenges remain 

Other military operations face the same need for continuity and speed:  

“Government and military users have been exploring the potential use of cloud computing through a variety of routes – commercial cloud, government cloud, and local clouds. However, there are various security-related issues to consider, which is why clouds are still relatively new ground in defence settings,” Graham explains. 

BattleCloud brings the SitaWare suite's functionality into a scalable cloud architecture that can be accessed from both fixed and deployed headquarters. This enables military leaders to access essential resources such as  meteorological data, satellite imagery and open-source intelligence (OSINT) –  and  integrate it into one unified system. 

This means that, even with limited connectivity, users across the battlespace will have the very latest common operational picture, allowing them to make decisions based on accurate, timely information.

Trusted by NATO – used by more than 50 nations 

"We've further developed a system that many already trust and made it available in a modern cloud solution. This means, amongst other things, that updates happen continuously and that the solution can easily be integrated with existing installations. Additionally, new technologies like artificial intelligence are also better deployed using cloud computing, which improves responsiveness and processing speeds," says Andrew Graham. 

He emphasises that the entire suite continues to build on an open architecture that makes it possible to integrate the solution with other systems – both proprietary and third-party – as well as adapt functionality according to specific needs. 

The launch comes amid growing demand from militaries and public authorities for adaptable systems that can easily integrate with others, share data, and scale to meet operational needs. 

In April 2024, NATO chose Systematic's SitaWare Headquarters as its new standard system for planning and conducting land operations. In total, SitaWare is used today by more than 50 countries, including most NATO nations.   
 

New features across domains 

The launch of BattleCloud is accompanied by a major update to the entire SitaWare suite. Among the new features are: 

• Air operations: Users of SitaWare Headquarters can now draw and export Airspace Control Means (ACM) in APP-11 standard as one unified Airspace Control Order (ACO). 
• Naval operations: New functions for underwater warfare in SitaWare Maritime, including visualisation of danger zones for submarines and better handling of sea mines. 
• Joint Fires: In SitaWare Fire Support, centralised calculation engine and weapons inventory tool improve precision when using older weapons systems. 
• Task management: A new tasking function in SitaWare Frontline and SitaWare Edge enables units to plan and follow missions in real time. 
• User interaction: The QuickForms module introduces flexible templates for reporting in the field – particularly relevant under time pressure. 
• AI support in SitaWare Insight: New local AI models enable faster image recognition, searches and decision support via a "wingman" chatbot.