C4ISR Forum MT 3/2022 · 75 Achieving a Digital Battlespace Laying the foundation for building a digital battlespace requires multiple levels of attention. “Although digitizing platforms is a key aspect, to gain its true advantages also requires both a surrounding digital network and digital data base. Information like real-time 3D geospatial, targeting, and other digital data bases need to be in place,” explains Bonner. Still, both the modest numbers of ground combat systems lacking complete digital compatibility, the slow process in increasing these numbers, and the consequent need to mix digital and non-digital assets within the same unit, should be a concern. A combined arms force with digitized tanks but legacy IFVs will limit capitalising on digital advantage. Addressing this suggests the need to consider providing for achieving digitalisation across an operational element. Every platform within a unit must be digitally compatible to allow fully integrated operations – necessitating a rethink in both development and procurement. Rather than being platform-centric, priorities should reflect how to fill digital gaps. In such an approach, it is preferable to concurrently develop and field digital capability to a single unit – battalion or brigade – including forms, weapon systems, maintenance and logistics, allowing benefits to be realised. This also provides compatible tactical building blocks for a larger digital force, and linkage to digitised air support, unmanned systems, the growing digital network, and other enablers. The potential offered by digitalization is information based. It offers the ability to collect, process and widely share all types of information quickly, often simultaneously with parties at different levels. Given this, its value is multiplied with each digital participant, but likewise reduced with each that lacks such capabilities. Digitalisation facilitates force integration, and enables the more efficient application of combined arms. Militaries will transition to a digital format eventually – the real challenge is overcoming the digital gap that will exist as that transition proceeds over time. effectiveness – even survival – on the battlefield. Enhancing this is a major focus, capitalising sensor development and the use of artificial intelligence. Yet “singular, vehicle unit-based [SA] is not enough. The improved connectivity offered by digital media allows [SA] to be transformed into the situational understanding required to gain superiority in [the] battlefield domain.” Beyond this, a digital system offers logistics and maintenance benefits like health monitoring, prognostics, and real-time system readiness reporting. That many of these attributes are already commonplace, particularly in aviation, demonstrates their maturity and practical viability. The fact is that digital architecture for military systems is available and being introduced. Kevin Bonner, CTO at General Dynamics Land Systems, stated both the latest M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams and Stryker A1 have digital architectures. The US Army has programmed 1,700 SEPv3 sets, but actively fields around 4,800. Its Stryker fleet is around 4,400, with the A1 contract issued in 2020 for delivery by 2027. A Bradley M2A4 with revamped vetronics, developed by BAE Systems under a 2018 contract, saw testing in late 2020. What is apparent is that the revolution in capabilities possible with digital systems will be unavailable to most combat units for some time yet. Other forces, including NATO, are in a similar or worse position, with most equipment acquired pre-digital. Challenges to Digitising The application of digital architecture is being driven by adoption of standards like GVM and Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), which fail to address legacy systems. The problem is further complicated by recognition that the optimum benefits of digital stem from ‘digital purity’. As pointed out by Maj Matt Blumberg, in Military Review, “Not enough (digital) radios equal little-to-no-gain.” Essentially, mixing legacy negates many of the key benefits provided by digital. This increases concerns over the impact of the digital disparity. Digital Upgrades While Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands addressed digitalisation in procuring new CV90 Mk III vehicles others, like Switzerland, took the upgrade route. Improved architectures will support 360° surveillance, increased SA, safer route planning and more rapid targeting. The ability to improve capability through software application, rather than the wholesale hardware replacement required in an analogue environment, makes for more flexible and efficient progress. “Patria has found there is potential to bring digital benefits to legacy fleets utilizing data in background systems. This has provided benefits in Patria’s Health and Usage Monitoring Systems, and foronboard computers applied to its XA 6x6 fleet (in production 19832004) as a fully analog product, though it also requires some mechanical component changes to support even a basic digital architecture,” Karppinen observed. A former US Marine and defence industry executive, Stephen W Miller has extensive international hands-on experience in operations, systems development, acquisition and field support, from which he derives a unique perspective on the critical nature of their connection. Unmanned systems, such as the QinetiQ-Pratt Miller Robotic Combat Vehicle testbed, could operate as lead elements or in a ‘wingman’ capacity. (Photo: via author) A prototype M2A4 Bradley IFV ready for testing to evaluate the potential for easy capability upgrade of legacy systems that may lack sufficient onboard power or hull volume, for example. (Photo: US Army) g f
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