Slovenia transitions to SitaWare software

Transcription

1 Slovenia transitions to SitaWare software Date Posted: 24-Jun-2016 Author: Giles Ebbutt, Plymouth Publication: Jane's International Defence Review Key Points The Slovenian Army is renewing its C2 system with new software across all levels of command Systematic's SitaWare software suite has been selected and it will run on existing communications networks The Slovenian Army is modernising its command-and-control (C2) capability with a comprehensive system that will stretch from the national command centre to the individual soldier. Slovenia first acquired a C2 system in 2004, becoming the first customer for elements of the Danish software house Systematic's SitaWare product, which was selected as part of the solution to the Information System Command and Control (Informacijski Sistemi Poveljevanja In Kontrole: IS PINK) project, together with software from local firm S&T Slovenija. The command variant of the Slovenian Army Valuk 6x6 equipped with the Tadiran CNR900 and SitaWare Frontline. (Systematic) IS PINK evolved during the timeframe, associated with the integration of the system into various Slovenian Army vehicles: Project LKOV (light wheeled armoured vehicle) in 2005 with the Valuk 6x6, Project CSS in 2007 with the Actros truck, Project SKOV with the Patria 8x8 (known as Svarun in Slovenian service), and Project LIV RKBO with the Cobra specialist chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) vehicle in Final deliveries took place in Page 1 of 8

2 The Slovenian Army Cobra RKBO specialist CBRN vehicle equipped with the Thales VHF PR4G and Thales HF radios with SitaWare Frontline. (Systematic) Systematic's contribution consisted of a SitaWare Track Server, which provides an open platform for managing track data and other information; SitaWare Headquarters (HQ) V4.9, an early version of Systematic's higher-level C2 software; and SitaWare Battle Management System (BMS) 4.9 with the early Multilateral Interoperability Programme (MIP) Block 2.0 C3 Information Exchange Data Model (C3IEDM). S&T contributed additional software modules including the daily report system for SKOV, blue-force tracking for CSS, a CBRN capability for LIV RKBO, and the communications integration functionality. Unfortunately, IS PINK was not particularly successful. Within the mobile environment the communications available were unable to provide sufficient bandwidth to support the data and voice requirements, particularly the C3IEDM database. Valuk was (and is) equipped with the VHF Tadiran 900, which only provides 4.8 kb/s and has a single data and voice channel; voice overrides data in simultaneous transmissions. Svarun and Cobra have the VHF Thales PR4G, which has separate voice and data channels, but the SOTAS vehicle installation system increases the complexity. Svarun also has the Tadiran 900, while Cobra has Thales HF. Meanwhile, Actros vehicles are equipped with Harris VHF. As there was insufficient bandwidth in the communications, the network had insufficient capacity for the data demands placed on it. The radios were also not interoperable in the secure mode. The system was too complex with at least 12 different vehicle configurations and required trained and qualified personnel who were not always available. As a result, the Slovenian Army lost confidence in the system and ended the maintenance contract in 2012, which brought the added problem that the software was no longer updated and its MIP interoperability status was not sustained. However, the requirement for a modern C2 system still remained, particularly because without taking action to remedy the problem, interoperability with NATO and other partner countries would be lost. This was a significant issue for the armed forces Page 2 of 8

3 of a relatively small country with a good operational track record, and which was keen to be a willing and effective participant in future operations. Another problem was the potential loss of the knowledge of how to use and operate such a system, which would be difficult to regenerate. The solution was deemed to lie in the new software on the legacy communications network, given that budgetary constraints precluded replacing hardware, and a test was conducted in 2013 using C2 software from two different manufacturers on the legacy communications network. These were Systematic with the newest version of SitaWare and S&T with its own system. The trial was completed in November The results demonstrated that new software architecture and updated software versions, optimised for narrowband communications, only required a low bandwidth to work effectively, thus overcoming a major limitation of the existing communications network. Reporting intervals for locational data were between 5 and 20 seconds, communications interfaces were more reliable, and the system was easily configurable with short preparation times, and easy role and identity changes. The tests proved that by changing the software it was possible to significantly improve speed, flexibility, and reliability in comparison with the legacy system, while retaining the existing communications hardware. To demonstrate that senior officers had confidence in this solution, the test reports were signed off by key users including the commander of the joint operations centre (JOC) and the operational brigade commander, according to Colonel Boris Cimpric, chief of CIS on the Slovenian General Staff. The Slovenian Army therefore decided in late 2013 to adopt this solution for project KIS PINK 2, on the basis that it would provide reliable C2, simplify the management and configuration of the system, and retain the use of existing radios and computers, while meeting the key requirement for NATO interoperability. The resulting request for tenders stipulated that the solution should meet MIP 3.1 standards and focus on mobile operations within the battalion battlegroup, but also should be unified and vertically aligned across the whole command structure, from the individual soldier to the JOC. The successful bidder was Systematic and a contract was awarded in late 2015 to provide the latest version of its SitaWare C2 software suite. This consists of SitaWare HQ 6.2 at battalion HQ and above, SitaWare Frontline 1.10 at platform level, and SitaWare Edge for the individual. Page 3 of 8

4 SitaWare Frontline installed in a Slovenian Army armoured vehicle. (Systematic) SitaWare Frontline provides the tactical battle management solution. The software is in two parts: a vehicle application and a user application. The vehicle application can be integrated with communications equipment, weapons systems, onboard sensors, and vehicle management systems. The user application provides all the Frontline applications and the user configuration software, and can be run entirely independently of a particular vehicle's installation. It can be carried on a memory stick from which it can also be run, enabling a user to move from vehicle to vehicle without needing to install the software and therefore remaining independent of a particular set of hardware. Page 4 of 8

5 The command variant of the Slovenian Army Svarun 8x8 equipped with the Tadiran CNR900 and Thales PR4G VHF plus SitaWare Frontline. (Systematic) Frontline will be integrated into the Valuk 6x6, Svarun 8x8, and Cobra CBRN vehicles, using the existing Tadiran, Thales, and Harris radios; remote weapon stations are integrated into the system. C2 variants of these platforms are equipped with a four-workstation installation. Within a battalion HQ, which in a Patria battalion would typically consist of three vehicles, they can be connected with up to 500 m of fibre-optic cable in a "daisy chain" configuration, allowing vehicles to be dispersed when halted and reducing the electronic signature as no data is passed between vehicles over the air. Page 5 of 8

6 SitaWare Frontline display in the front of a Logistic Brigade convoy escort light vehicle. The remote control for the Harris radio installed in the rear of the vehicle can be seen to the left of the display. (Systematic) To provide C2 functionality and particularly tracking for Logistic Brigade convoys, each truck is equipped with a Harris Handheld (HH) 5800 VHF radio integrated with a GPS. When a convoy is on the move this configuration passes tracking data to an escort vehicle equipped with a Frontline installation, which aggregates the data and then passes it over HF radio into the Frontline network. SitaWare HQ provides more comprehensive C2 functionality than Frontline and will be installed at the JOC and in soft-skinned vehicles at Brigade HQs. As well as the situational awareness and tactical picture display, it provides support for collaborative planning; formal message handling; additional GIS capability, including terrain analysis; and tasking and unit status. Page 6 of 8

7 The SitaWare Edge dismounted soldier display. (Systematic) SitaWare Edge is an Android-based BMS designed for the dismounted commander. The software provides layered tactical data over maps or imagery, including friendly force tracking (FFT), an intelligence picture, reporting tools, an integrated compass, alerting functionality, and a command layer for the transmission and reception of tactical graphics and sketches. How and to what extent Slovenia will use Edge is yet to be determined. The initial contract only includes 12 licences, which will be sufficient for trial purposes. Major Marko Sterbenc, the Sitaware project officer from the Slovenian Army told IHS Jane's that it was probable that Special Forces and Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) would be equipped with Edge, but no decision had been made about dismounted infantry platoon commanders or squad leaders. Col Cimpric said the benefits of adopting SitaWare were that it was a simple and flexible solution from a single provider, giving complete interoperability with no extra add-ons, and with low Page 7 of 8

8 maintenance costs. It is also simple to configure and manage the network. The Slovenian Army has learned from the introduction of IS PINK, which failed to manage user expectation, and for KIS PINK 2 is taking a more measured approach. Following the first deliveries in early 2016 the Slovenian Army conducted an initial system acceptance test in May. This is being followed by an integration and "train the trainers" process, which will also involve the development of doctrine and the techniques and procedures for using the software. A final System Acceptance Test is expected in October 2016, with full deployment following in COMMENT The fact that the Slovenian military lost confidence in the original system is not unusual for a C2 project; it has been a characteristic of other similar projects through a combination of immature technology, poor management of user expectation, and inadequate training. The UK Bowman project suffered from the same problems.it is also interesting that the Slovenian Army put considerable emphasis on NATO interoperability in making its procurement decision for KIS PINK 2. Without this guaranteed ability it becomes more difficult for a small army to participate in any meaningful way in alliance operations, with resulting loss of influence and a "seat at the table". Conversely, effective interoperability allied with competence and reliability can enable a country to "punch above its weight". Page 8 of 8