Teknologi i fellesoperasjoner

The proposition to the Storting called ‘New requirements for technology and collaboration’ (Prop. 151 S 2015–2016), aka Long-Term Plan for the Defence Sector, emphasises that the Armed Forces will need greater responsiveness and mobility of military units in the future. The required reaction time will be greatly reduced, and the requirement for timely decisions will increase. This requires the Armed Forces to have more flexible solutions for sharing information as well as solutions that are resistant to various forms of attack. The more confusing a situation is, the more important is the ability to establish a sound common understanding.

In this edition of VITEN, we look at how important this will be for joint operations in the Armed Forces. At FFI, we study how the Armed Forces’ information infrastructure (INI) can be set up to support better information sharing. We use information as a basis for military operational activities. This means that a number of information sources can be analysed and presented to users and be connected and disconnected when needed. Such an approach could contribute to better cooperation across levels in our own defence, as well as with allied forces. NATO is currently working hard to make this possible by developing standardised protocols. A future information infrastructure for the Armed Forces must also be able to support highly mobile units. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and satellites can help strengthen communication infrastructure by offering alternative, complementary networks. UAVs will be a flexible tool that can offer communication services where necessary. In addition to robust ICT solutions, proper training and exercise are also an important prerequisite for streamlining military leadership and for being able to respond quickly and in a coordinated manner. Thus, modern simulation technology and ICT solutions will save both time and costs. Monitoring sensors are also important.

One of FFI’s many projects is about how passive radio frequency sensors (RF sensors) can be used on satellites to track the navigation radars of ships and compare them with the Automatic Identification System (AIS) of larger ships. Another example of an important area that FFI is working on is electronic warfare, where the goal is to control the electromagnetic spectrum and thus increase the combat and survival capability of one’s own forces. In order for the Armed Forces’ many units to be able to interact, they must be able to communicate with each other and share information internally, as well as with allies. In this perspective, information, not systems, must be at the centre. The forces and platforms of the Armed Forces must also be protected from attack in the best possible way. These are important prerequisites for the Armed Forces’ fighting power in a new and complex threat picture.