Page 30 - Australian Defence Magazine Nov 2018

DEFENCE
C4I
ARCHITECTURE
“A challenge in thinking about the design of the future force is the technical terminology and language.”
from a platform and service approach to multi dimensional joint capability.
A significant challenge faced in thinking about the design of the future force is the technical terminology and language. When we discuss C4ISR networks today, we typi- cally think and act in terms of extant capa- bilities such as RF, Link-16, Link-11 and a series of messaging protocols such as J se- ries, K series and VMF formats.
When we discuss the future 5th Gen force, there are terms such as the Kill Web (any sensor, best shooter) and the range of C2 (Command and Control), ISREW (In- telligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Electronic Warfare) IFC (Integrated Fire Control) and IAMD (Integrated Air Mis- sile Defence).
and Maritime Pictures to enhance situ- ational awareness.
These will be focussed on the Boyd OODA loop and execution of what has been described as a multi-nodal Kill Web environment. We will now try to minimise the technical terminology for the remain- der of this discussion.
What is the current vector?
ADF will need a system comprised of inter- connected and interoperable legacy and 5th Gen systems, communications links, IP based networks and waveforms within an ever-growing cross-domain environment.
It has become evident to the US Armed Forces that a major impediment to multi domain operations is their existing, dis- parate, communications and information networks. Commentators have noted that the US has magnificent platforms but that it needs an integrated communications ar- chitecture and networks; in other words, a system of systems level approach is needed. A recent Air Force Times article also con- cluded that the US military isn’t quite at the point of the multi-domain command and control capabilities that are envisaged by USAF Chief General Goldfein.
General Goldfein highlighted the ex- ample of how military forces could con- nect in the future via systems being built by private industry, such as the space-based internet framework. This capability will provide multiple, independent, pathways that could be used by the military for com- munication and information networks, whilst increasing the cost and effort of in- terdiction by an adversary.
The impending change in force architec- ture is also evident in the proposed USAF Advanced Battle Management System. In September 2018, Aviation Week & Space Technology (AW&ST) reported that the implications of the demise of the J-Stars re- capitalization program are becoming clear and that the pending retirement signals a fundamental shift in acquisition and op- erational strategy. Instead of concentrating a critical sensor and battle management centre on a single platform, the distribution of such capabilities across a resilient and adaptable network, consisting of multiple, smaller platforms is envisaged. The article noted that the USAF’s Next-Generation
Th e R A A F ’s P l a n J e r i c h o n o t e d RAAF members cannot be complacent in thinking that simply by having the F-35A aircraft the RAAF have a 5th Gen capabil- ity. It highlighted the need to think about how the RAAF employs air combat forces as a system of systems. The Plan foresaw that the operating environment will be in-
creasingly complex, with high volumes of rapidly produced data moving along contested lines of communication to chal- lenge our decision capacity. In order to exploit new capabilities and win in challenging operat- ing environments, it stated that the RAAF needed to transform along with the wider ADF into an integrated, networked force.
The Joint Plan Aurora is intended to implement joint “Integrated Force Realisa- tion” targets and to drive C4ISR architec- tures, standards and goals. However, it is still in its embryonic stage and apart from a short brief given to industry in May 2018, there is, as yet, little detail in the public are- na apart from a PowerPoint slide pack.
What is anticipated in this future 5th Gen Force is that large volumes of fused/ correlated data/information will require a significant increase in classified network bandwidth and network complexity as new sensors and platforms are acquired with increasing integration demands resulting from capabilities such as CEC and IFC. The
t h a t
As technology permits, an eventual shift toward IP data is anticipated as it will be essential within a multi-nodal and cross- domain environment. Network prolifera- tion has already occurred with many special purpose applications such as CEC (Coop- erative Engagement Capability), TTNT (Tactical Targeting Network Technology) and SINGCARS (Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System).
Network proliferation across multiple communication bearers, nodes and proto- cols will continue but in a 5th Gen envi- ronment greater focus will likely be on the Common Operating Picture and the tac- tical subsets of the Recognised Air, Land
5th generation thinking is about more than the platforms.
30 | November 2018 | www.australiandefence.com.au