Page 61 - Williams Foundation Future of Electronic Warfare Seminar

A New Approach and Attitude to Electronic Warfare in Australia

But what is missing is a capability to connect training, notably cross platform training with software code
rewriting of the sort, which the new software upgradeable platforms like F-35 clearly can allow.

Indeed, we added to the above article the following:

One could also add, that the need to build ground floor relationships between code writers and operators
needs to include the TTP writers as well.

During my visit to Canberra, I had a chance to discuss with Air Vice-Marshal (Retired) John Blackburn how the
training approach could be expanded to encompass and guide development.

“We know that we need to have an integrated force, because of the complexity of the threat environment will
will face in the future. The legacy approach is to buy bespoke pieces of equipment, and then use defined
data links to connect them and to get as much integration as we can AFTER we have bought the separate
pieces of equipment. This is after-market integration, and can take us only so far.”

“This will not give us the level of capability that we need against the complex threat environment we will face.
How do we design and build in integration? This is a real challenge, for no one has done so to date?”

Laird: And the integration you are talking about is not just within the ADF but also with core allies, notably the
United States forces. And we could emphasize that integration is necessary given the need to design a force
that can go up an adversary’s military choke points, disrupt them, have the ability to understand the impact
and continue on the attack. This requires an ability to put force packages up against a threat, prosecute, learn
and continue to put the pressure on.

Put bluntly, this is pushing SA to the point of attack, combat learning within the operation at the critical nodes
of attack and defense and rapidly reorganizing to keep up the speed and lethality of attack.

To achieve such goals, clearly requires force package integration and strategic direction across the combat
force.

How best to move down this path?

Blackburn: We have to think more imaginatively when we design our force.
A key way to do this is to move from a headquarters set requirements process by platform, to driving
development by demonstration.

How do you get the operators to drive the integration developmental piece?

The operational experience of the Wedgetail crews with F-22 pilots has highlighted ways the two platforms
might evolve to deliver significantly greater joint effect. But we need to build from their reworking of TTPs to
shape development requirements so to speak. We need to develop to an operational outcome; not stay in the
world of slow motion requirements development platform by platform.

Laird: Our visit to Fallon highlighted the crucial need to link joint TTP development with training and hopefully
beyond that to inform the joint integration piece.
How best to do that from your point of view?

Blackburn: Defence is procuring a Live/Virtual/Constructive (LVC) training capability. But the approach is
reported to be narrowly focused on training. We need to expand the aperture and include development and
demonstration within the LVC world.

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