WaterSpace Management: The critical capability for modern maritime command and control

WaterSpace Management (WSM) Capabilities are a fundamental component of a complete maritime command and control (C2) system.

A comprehensive overview of planned submarine and surface level movements is essential for enhancing operational planning and preventing accidents in the maritime domain. Planning submarine movements is particularly challenging due to the communications restrictions submarines typically operate under. Effective WSM tools must support detailed routing, integrated coordination between subsurface and surface vessels, and real-time identification of friend or foe.

SitaWare Maritime’s WSM capability enables the coordination and safe deployment of submarines and surface vessels, mapping operating areas for both types of forces, and establishing secure transit lanes.

A must-have component in maritime command and control 

“If we want to have a true Maritime system, we have to have WSM capabilities,” said Stig Meyer, Product Manager for SitaWare Maritime. “WSM has always been a requirement for submarine nations, and when NATO began searching for a new Maritime C2 system, WSM capabilities were outlined as a key requirement.”

WSM is indispensable in modern naval operations. It coordinates submarines, surface ships, and undersea systems while enabling synchronized deployment of weapons across domains. Enhanced situational awareness—including subsurface terrain, exercise zones, and operational data—supports safe and coordinated asset deployment.

Developing a waterspace management tool

Submarine operations have increased over the last few years as more nations procure and develop advanced submarines. This has amplified the need for command and control in the sub-surface domain.

SitaWare Maritime has been under development for over five years, focusing on the maritime domain and developing WSM tools to deconflict submarine deployment. During the process, Systematic engaged closely with maritime customers operating submarines to ensure the right tools are available to the staff planning submarine operations

A 2023 agreement with the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support, delivering SitaWare products as part of the German Mission Network Block 2 project, significantly accelerated the progress. As part of the agreement, the German Navy provided feedback and testing resources allowing Systematic to develop and improve features such as WSM that have been important innovations to SitaWare Maritime.

“Working with the German Navy was instrumental in shaping SitaWare Maritime,” Meyer said. “Their feedback helped us align the system to real-world requirements. It was a big development investment to do that and to have them as a SitaWare customer.”

Even before launching this important development process to improve SitaWare’s WSM capabilities, the software enhanced the German Navy’s C2 capabilities by improving its Recognized Maritime Picture and overall operational efficiency. Development continues, and this will only improve the utility of SitaWare Maritime for the German Navy and future customers.

Utilizing waterspace management in warfare

“Submarines do not like communicating with higher headquarters, because it means they are vulnerable. Submarine commanders only want to communicate when it is absolutely necessary,” said Nicholas Kristof, Sales Director for Systematic Inc, and former submarine officer in the U.S. Navy. “Communications must be simple and concise; you can’t send vast amounts of data; and the submarine needs to get to periscope depth, transmit, and return to safer depths quickly.”

SitaWare products are optimized for low-bandwidth environments and is built to minimize the amount of data that must be transmitted. But earlier versions lacked the specialized tools required for naval operations, including WSM.

“Previous versions of SitaWare, and C2 systems in general, based on land warfare were not suitable for maritime functions,” said Kristof. “SitaWare Maritime being built to function as a C2 system for naval operations is a huge step for improving planning and joint and coalition operations. It improves the ability of commanders ashore and at sea to understand the operating environment and ensures coordination among allies, reducing the risk of accidents.”

An evolving and adapting capability 

Driven by end-user feedback, SitaWare Maritime continues to evolve its WSM capabilities to meet emerging maritime needs.

“The next development efforts will focus on further refining anti-submarine warfare planning, supporting headquarters in submarine-hunting operations, and enabling naval mine warfare,” Meyer explained. “Amphibious warfare is another area that we will be developing. Increasing multi-domain functionality to work with landing troops, providing safe supply lines to a beach, and keeping track of the entire force for interoperability and multi-domain functions.”

WSM remains an essential function for naval operations, ensuring mission success through safe coordination, accurate situational awareness, and reliable C2 integration—especially in coalition environments. SitaWare Maritime’s WaterSpace Management tool allows naval operations to stay ahead of the curve with an operationally approved C4ISR system providing an accurate overview of surface and subsurface operations.