Command & control


warfare, and the introduction of new technologies, have necessitated a shift away from this traditional model. By 2030, Nato’s digital transformation intends to facilitate multi-domain operations: ensuring interoperability, heightened situational awareness and data-driven decision-making. At root, this shift reflects a broader recognition of the complexities inherent in modern warfare. Unlike traditional conflicts, which often occurred within well-defined domains – land, sea, air – the contemporary battlefield is far more fluid and interconnected. The rise of cyberwarfare, space-based operations and the increasing importance of information warfare, have all blurred the lines between these domains, creating a need for a more integrated and flexible approach to military operations. “In military operations,” Vähätiitto explains, “changes occur as near-real-time and reliable information flows from the operational environment, creating a detailed common operating picture.” In practice, meanwhile, the introduction of new technology is crucial in enabling this new approach, facilitating the deployment of mobile command posts, allowing for faster and more reliable communication between units – and ultimately enabling commanders to make more informed decisions. One of the most significant developments in this area is the deployment of 5G technology. In 2023, for instance, Nato signed an agreement allowing member nations to assess 5G capabilities at Latvia’s test site through virtual and augmented reality, unmanned vehicles and sensors. This focus makes sense: compared with 4G, 5G offers higher-speed connectivity, lower latency and greater capacity, all of which are critical for modern military operations. This enhanced connectivity provides troops on the ground with more actionable intelligence, allowing them to respond more quickly and effectively to emerging threats.


The integration of AI into command-and-control systems is another key aspect of Nato’s transformation. AI-driven systems can analyse vast amounts of data in real time, providing commanders with actionable insights that help streamline decision-making processes. This capability is particularly valuable in multi-domain operations, where the ability to rapidly process and act on information from various sources is crucial. By leveraging AI, Nato forces can coordinate actions across land, sea, air, space and cyber domains more effectively, enhancing their overall operational effectiveness.


Practical shifts


The integration of advanced technologies into command-and-control systems is at the heart of Nato’s shift towards multi-domain operations. Platforms like AI aren’t merely add-ons to existing systems – but rather are becoming central to how military operations are conducted. “As technology develops, we need to be ready to adopt and take advantage,” is how Vähätiitto puts it. This readiness to embrace technological innovation is critical for Nato to maintain its strategic


Situational awareness RAP Recognised Air Picture SPACE CYBER


JCOP RMP


Recognised Maritime Picture


RGP


Recognised Ground Picture


RIP Recognised Intelligence Picture


advantage in an increasingly complex and contested global environment.


One of the most promising practical examples here is how AI can enhance situational awareness. Among other things, AI can process and analyse data from a wide range of sources, including satellite imagery, drone feeds and social media, to provide a comprehensive picture of the operational environment. By way of example, consider Pearson Engineering’s drone-based threat solution. Following a successful trial with Nato, the British firm’s ‘Threat-Sense’ system uses AI and synthetic threat libraries to detect anti-tank and anti- personnel mines, before passing this information back to the operators. This enhanced situational awareness allows commanders to make more informed decisions, improving the overall effectiveness of military operations. Big data is another key component of Nato’s practical technological transformation. By leveraging big data analytics, the alliance can identify patterns and trends that might otherwise go unnoticed, providing valuable insights into enemy movements, supply chain vulnerabilities and other critical factors. This information can then be used to inform strategic planning and operational decision-making, ensuring that Nato forces are always one step ahead of their adversaries.


Significant hurdles


While the benefits of multi-domain operations are clear, implementing these capabilities across Nato is not without its challenges. One of the most significant hurdles is the integration of new technologies into existing command and control structures. This isn’t merely a technical question, but also a matter of organisational know-how. Ensuring that different systems can work together seamlessly requires a deep understanding of both the operational environment and the technological capabilities at hand. “These technologies will add tremendous value to planning and executing operations,” Vähätiitto adds. “The main challenges lie in the reliability of new


Defence & Security Systems International / www.defence-and-security.com


With an increasingly data-heavy battlefield, information from various domains must be integrated.


2030


The target year for Nato’s digital transformation,


facilitating multi-domain operations, ensuring interoperability,


heightened situational awareness and data-driven decision- making.


Nato 17


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