Read more about the article Framework for the Future: Lessons Learned from the UK’s Approach to Integrated Battle Networks
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Framework for the Future: Lessons Learned from the UK’s Approach to Integrated Battle Networks

This paper examines the evolution of the United Kingdom’s (UK) approach to integrated military network systems, analysing its strategies, technological advancements, and partnerships, particularly within the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and with European Union (EU) allies. The study underscores the UK’s commitment to Network-Centric Warfare (NCW) and multi-domain operations, outlining the development of foundational communication systems like Bowman and Network Enabled Capability (NEC), as well as newer projects, including Morpheus, TRINITY, and the Land Environment Tactical Communications and Information Systems (LETacCIS) program. The UK’s integration strategy prioritises secure, real-time data exchange across land, air, maritime, cyber, and space domains, aiming to enhance interoperability and strengthen resilience against hybrid threats. A key focus of this paper is on the UK’s collaboration with NATO and the EU in advancing secure communication frameworks, cyber resilience, and satellite capabilities through projects like Federated Mission Networking (FMN) and the SKYNET satellite system. As cyber and space domains become more critical, the UK’s evolving strategies demonstrate an adaptable, modular approach to maintaining technological superiority and coalition interoperability. To conclude, the paper highlights future directions for integrated networks, emphasising the importance of flexible, cyber-resilient, and quantum-encrypted systems to address emerging security challenges in a complex, multi-domain operational environment.

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13 March 2025
Read more about the article The Light Advantage: Exploring Li-Fi as the Next Frontier in Military Data Transmission
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The Light Advantage: Exploring Li-Fi as the Next Frontier in Military Data Transmission

Light Fidelity (Li-Fi) is an emerging technology that revolutionises wireless communication by leveraging the visible light spectrum for data transmission. Addressing the limitations of tradi- tional radio frequency (RF)-based systems, Li-Fi offers unparalleled advantages in bandwidth, security, and energy efficiency. This paper examines Li-Fi’s transformative potential, partic- ularly in military contexts where secure and resilient communication is paramount. From enhancing command and control operations to facilitating naval coordination and disaster re- sponse, Li-Fi’s unique attributes, such as immunity to electromagnetic interference and high- speed transmission, make it a compelling alternative to RF technologies. However, issues like line-of-sight reliance and environmental sensitivity must be addressed be- fore widespread use occurs. The integration of Li-Fi with existing RF systems via hybrid tech- niques, as well as the new IEEE 802.11bb standardisation, point to a route towards practical feasibility. The paper also explores prospects, including Li-Fi’s role in multi-domain operations and its potential synergy with quantum encryption technologies. The study’s extensive research highlights Li-Fi’s importance in tackling current communica- tion difficulties, as well as its ability to reinvent connection in military and civilian applica- tions. The adoption of Li-Fi might signal a watershed moment in the transition to more secure, efficient, and adaptive wireless communication networks for an increasingly linked world by encouraging collaboration among governments, academics, and businesses.

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10 March 2025
Read more about the article From Paper to Precision: Streamlining Weapon Issuance and Maintenance Through Automation
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From Paper to Precision: Streamlining Weapon Issuance and Maintenance Through Automation

This paper treats the topic of Weapon Management Systems and the benefits their automation would have on Innovation and Interoperability in the defence sector. It argues, specifically, that automation provides a way of improving the military landscape in its entirety with a bottom-up approach. Methodically, the research draws from the contemporary relevance of the concepts of Innovation and Interoperability to highlight how digitalising and streamlining military administration can have positive and lasting effects on the defence sector. In that, this paper finds that automation can benefit Innovation by furthering broad sections of the world of defence and the entanglement between these sections. Particularly here, the bottom-up perspective becomes an important aspect of how automation can improve the military land- scape. In the discussion about Interoperability, the bottom-up perspective offers insights into the flaws of current European frameworks in enhancing the military by making it more in- teroperable. The automation of Weapon Management Systems therefore serves as an overview of how seemingly smaller initiatives can positively impact relevant features of current defence needs. This research thus makes a bold attempt in trying to present new ways of implementing important steps in European defence.

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3 March 2025
Read more about the article The Role of AI Decision-Making for Land-Based Operations
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The Role of AI Decision-Making for Land-Based Operations

In an era of technological ‘Oppenheimer momentum,’ Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as the new frontier in military decision-making, presenting enormous promises and challenges. This paper investigates the transformational impact of AI in the context of European land-based military operations, focussing on how AI may speed up decision-making, improve interoperability, and reshape traditional command and control (C2) structures. In the current context of global military competition, AI’s dual-purpose nature—its applicability in both civilian and military contexts—presents European ground forces with a competitive advantage, notably in sensor-to-shooter systems, predictive analysis, and autonomous decision-making.

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10 December 2024
Read more about the article Privatisation of Security: The legal Status and Responsibilities of Private Military Companies in European Missions
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Privatisation of Security: The legal Status and Responsibilities of Private Military Companies in European Missions

The rise of Private Military Companies (PMCs) and Private Security Companies (PSCs) in military or civilian missions stands as an important change in the dynamics of the security and defence world, as they change how operations can be conducted, especially for armed forces. Dating back to the Middle Ages with mercenaries, they have taken different forms throughout history. Nowadays, they deliver a large span of services (from indirect support in logistics or military counselling to taking part directly in combat). This paper will present their blurred status in law and their duties in missions led by European Member States, taking a look at the existing legislation and tools to hold them responsible for their actions.

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8 October 2024