Technology as game changer for Network Centric Operations in a battlefield scenario
Digital transformation has moved from the realm of the future to a fact that most businesses are seeking to leverage to disrupt standard usually means of carrying out organization. One of the important areas of electronic transformation is the creation of real-time dashboards that direct business enterprise determination making. A very similar organisational technique is made use of for command and handle in armed forces formation.
In military services parlance, the use of computers and communication network technologies to produce shared consciousness of a battlespace and influence command and command is named Community Centric Operations (NCO). NCO is a potent force multiplier and with the suitable extensive-time period eyesight and technique, it is a game changer in a battlefield state of affairs. Technologically, NCO is composed of a spine community infrastructure that underpins state-of-the-art capabilities like secure communication, battlefield command & manage and software of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve safety ability. The platforms in the Armed Forces have a interaction community that when built-in into NCO improves their operational capability. Even more, interoperable NCO infrastructure fosters jointness in functions of the a few companies and coordination with stakeholders concerned in inside protection, border administration, catastrophe administration are other crucial parts.
In the Indian context, Technological know-how Standpoint and Capacity Roadmap (TPCR) encapsulates the necessities of the Armed Forces for a focused network. Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) networks, Software package Described Radios (SDRs), Satellite Communication (SATCOM) terminals, Large Frequency (HF) sets are a several of the products proposed for advancement in the TPCR. Some of the key facets for the adoption of successful and effective NCO techniques that want to be addressed are stated underneath.
ET HighlightArchitecture: Jointness in functions and interoperability of networked platforms are the foundation of any successful NCO program which seamlessly connects all networks/platforms. The NCO process formulated must be envisioned as having an open architecture that can be integrated with interior security and civilian networks. Revolutionary frameworks like open architectures and multi-use of NCO infrastructure involving military services, para-navy and civil authorities support NCO adoption.
Disruptive technological know-how: Know-how performs an intrinsic section in the formation of a extensive-time period eyesight exactly where 5G is a disruptive know-how that is on the cusp of getting mainstream. The superiority of 5G above 4G is exponential and it permits the linking of sensors in an organisation to just about every other enabling in the vicinity of actual-time selection help and a widespread functioning photo. 5G systems can be made use of in conjunction with the present community spine to extend the reach of NCO.
Desk on Potential apps of 5G in defence
Controlling infrastructure lifecycle: An open up architecture makes sure value-success of network deployment and prolonged-time period availability of product and services aid. Network components can be used as stability elements to avoid details leakage from the community and a secure network can be founded by using a layered tactic for limiting accessibility. An approach of having an open architecture would cut down the lifecycle charges for these networks via the use of widespread tools and sub-devices.
Implementation: A rapid and productive implementation is crucial to maintaining technological superiority and handling lifecycle costs.
The following suggestions are proposed to oversee the implementation of NCO infrastructure in line with the eyesight and innovation factors of the broader NCO roadmap for the Indian Armed Forces.
Establishment of a devoted division of NCO: A devoted central division with total accountability and authority to determine all areas of NCO would facilitate the generation of specialized specs, challenge preparing and execution, and price range allocation for all NCO assignments.
Instruction: The operation and routine maintenance of the complex NCO products are most likely to call for a dedicated and really qualified workforce. This kind of a workforce may not be readily available within the Armed Forces, hence it is required to create coaching centres to make certain the concurrent introduction of NCO machines and experienced manpower that utilise the NCO products to its fullest capability.
Interaction with non-public business: From the recent progress of NCO similar infrastructure, it is obvious that non-public business is technologically and economically able of undertaking huge-scale NCO tasks. Also, personal sector has outpaced defence institutions in the R&D and adoption of NCO infrastructure. It is, thus, suggested that personal field be specified a bigger job in coverage and strategy formulation for NCO.
Obsolescence administration: Network infrastructure has lengthy expense and gestation timelines and therefore obsolescence management is critical.
Doctrine: NCO implementation will have to be guided by a clear doctrine.
In addition to its core capabilities, strong NCO has the prospective to act as a essential enabler for other maturing systems viz. Augmented Actuality (AR)/ Digital Fact (VR), Net of Factors (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics. These systems have prospective programs that span throughout the places of training and simulation, automation, car or truck to all the things (V2X interaction), edge apps, and many others. These enabling systems can assist different programs like smart border control and automated patrolling. Also, use of swarm methods exactly where human operated and semi-autonomous vehicles work in conjunction for larger performance. The deployment of NCO technologies can permit the Armed Forces to create hitherto unattainable abilities in knowing, analysing, and responding to distinctive styles of cases in real-time.
Cdr Gautam Nanda was one of the speakers on a panel on “Overseas Investments & Technologies: Crucial to ‘Atmanirbhar’ Defence sector” during the
Aerospace and Defence Summit 2022
held on March 24.