How to improve the Armed Forces’ capabilities for multi-domain operations? – challenges and knowledge gaps

Multi-domain operations (MDO) is an evolution of joint operations. The Armed Forces are to transition from conducting joint operations to MDO in order to improve their ability to meet future threats and to enhance their capacity to adopt and exploit new and existing technologies.
This report documents a problem-structuring process based on characteristics that define multidomain operations, analyzes how these may affect the Armed Forces’ operational effectiveness, and identifies challenges and knowledge gaps that should be prioritized to support the development of MDO within the Armed Forces.
A data-centric approach to operations is highlighted as fundamental to realizing MDO. High-quality data and digital, interoperable systems are essential to support timely and well-informed planning and decision-making processes, as well as the effective execution of operations. The shift from joint operations to MDO will require changes in technology, processes, organization, and competence. The development of MDO capabilities depends on coordinated progress within these areas.
The report presents a simple system analysis that evaluates how different functional areas (the joint functions) are influenced by identified MDO characteristics. The analysis shows that all functional areas are affected, but that the greatest need for change lies within command and control (C2), and within intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).
Based on this analysis, we highlight several areas where there is significant need for knowledge development to support the advancement of MDO, both nationally and within the alliance. Examples of key areas include the development of data-centric planning and decision-making processes, increased interoperability, further development of decentralized command in light of MDO, and effective targeting across domains. There is also a need for knowledge on how to better integrate and exploit the space and cyber domains, electronic warfare, and the information environment. Other examples of challenge areas include how we can better facilitate innovation and strengthen collaboration with civilian actors. These, along with other challenge areas described in the report, will influence training and competence needs as well as the development of capabilities and capacities for MDO.
The development of MDO should take place gradually, holistically, and in a knowledge-based manner, including the use of scenario-based analyses, experimentation, learning, simulations, and wargaming to assess the operational consequences of different measures aimed at increasing MDO capability.