Defense blogs: C4I insights across all domains

The vision for improved integration of UK Defense on a national, international and military basis has been described in a number of recent strategies, concepts and policy documents. Ahead of DSEi, this short think-piece acknowledges the intent, the opportunity that data offers to achieve it, but argues that nothing will change unless we become more specific and enable bottom-up, incremental development.

Learn how a C4ISR software platform can be leveraged to ensure better, more effective joint fires missions.

Over the past five years, the idea of Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) has gained popular acclaim with promises of transformational effects on military decision-making. A command and control system that enables commanders to make faster decisions has been a military nirvana for a few decades now – arguably Norman Schwarzkopf wanted it in 1991. Perhaps, unlike network enabled capability (NEC) or joint enterprise defense initiative (JEDI), this is a system that will finally deliver.

There are issues in defining command and control: the doctrinal taxonomy isn’t really that much help. The authority, responsibility, and accountability to give orders (to a military unit) might be the common elements used for command across Western nations.

The nature of warfare is rapidly evolving, and the rise of peer adversaries presents new challenges for military forces around the world.

Until the 1980s, it was just command. Neither Clausewitz, Jomini, Sun Tzu, nor Basil Liddel Hart talked about Command and Control. Indeed, until the 1980s, no one outside the Warsaw Pact talked about ‘control’ at all – at least as it related to command

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a popular buzzword in defense circles, and often synonymous with being ‘the answer’ to problems posed by future warfare methods. Yet its true value lies in the understanding of its capabilities and how it can enhance the maritime battlespace. Mere adoption of AI without a genuine comprehension of its potential limits its substance and effectiveness.

How have battlefield changes affected fires?

The global appeal of AI technology was made abundantly clear in January when ChatGPT’s developers announced an incredible 100 million active users just two months post-launch. So what it is it about AI and, in this case, ChatGPT – a natural language AI-enabled chatbot tool – that has us gripped?

Communication is the most important aspect of any military operation. This rule applies not just to combat, but to training, planning, logistics and a host of other functions as well.

Systematic’s SitaWare features a modular and customizable back end that means your integration teams will not need to deal with complicated coding and maintenance.

Can you always believe what you see? In an information-rich world littered with deepfakes, bots, phishing and sponsored subterfuge the answer, when it comes the internet at least, is clearly no.

During the Cold War, the Royal Danish Navy’s frigates were designed, equipped, and manned to fight the maritime battle in the Baltic Sea and adjacent waters. The Warfare Organization aboard these vessels was designed to primarily support high-tempo engagements in a relative short duration i.e., short time at sea.

No combatant is more vulnerable than the dismounted. Survival and combat effectiveness is closely tied to C2 and situational awareness.

HF radio has become a viable means of communication for when other options are unavailable.

Revised doctrine for major Western powers has revealed the new strategic positioning for defence – that the era of counter-insurgency operations is over amid the threat of major war.