The modern battlefield is evolving at breakneck speed. In fact, according to our recent survey of 400 defence and aerospace decision-makers from around the world, the battlespace has never been more dynamic or complex – a statement that 95% of respondents agreed with.
What does this mean from an operational perspective? Well, 86% of respondents said the future battlespace will be an information battlespace, with 98% agreeing that effective decision making is increasingly reliant on the quick delivery of trusted data. What’s more, 90% highlighted an urgent need for more seamless information sharing across domains – traditionally covering land, sea, air and, more recently, cyber and space.
As the only pan-global domain, space enables integration across all components of the armed forces. It sits at the heart of achieving military advantage on the world stage, which is why it has quickly become the fifth military domain.
Tapping into space
When we think about the digital battlefield of both now and in the future, it becomes clear that space innovation has never been more important. Global coverage; the provision of secure and rapid access to critical information from anywhere on Earth; the ability to capture one moment in time for one location with multiple sensors.
Space is truly unique in its capability, which is why 89% of Defence and Aerospace decision-makers believe that it will become an essential component of national defence. What’s more, two-in-five agree that operationalising the space domain is the most important area of focus for defence technology exploitation.
This points to how modern space is about so much more than just rockets and satellites. There are a wide range of military applications that nations can exploit through space technologies, from global command and control to surveillance, reconnaissance, precision navigation, and many more – all underpinned by security.
But arguably the most valuable component of the space domain is how it can be used to integrate different data sources and form a digital thread across the entire defence ecosystem. No other military domain has the ability to get mission-critical information to where it is needed, anywhere on Earth – in near real-time.
For example, constellations and clusters of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites can provide a wealth of imagery and other data across a wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Combining this with powerful on-board data processing capability and communications links to other satellites – as well as road, air and naval vehicles – provides a powerful, integrated network and knowledge base.
Of course, there are challenges involved. For example, the many different data sources need to be able to operate tougher, something we have tackled by finding ways to combine different data sets.
By assimilating intelligence from multiple sources and getting it into the right hands at the speed of relevance, space innovation can provide the clarity required for faster and more informed decision making on Earth – thereby shaping multi-domain operations across land, air, sea and cyber.
Enabling MDI
We know that the battlespace is now broader and more complex than ever – a challenge that is only going to grow as technology continues to evolve. This is where the concept of Multi-Domain Integration (MDI) comes into play, seen by many as the solution to the problem of siloed sources of often-unmanageable information.
The need to enable holistic awareness and connect the whole defence ecosystem – from national security, through to government systems and military organisations – is clearer than ever. This is where space’s unique vantage point makes it such a valuable asset, particularly in terms of driving more effective, data-driven decision making.
And it’s no longer out of reach. Capabilities such as reprogrammable satellites and reconfigurable payloads mean space assets can be updated for future missions while still in orbit, thereby providing greater long-term value and increasing space’s potential influence in military operations. What’s more, dual-use capabilities can greater value by enabling civil and military applications within one system.
Ultimately, our research highlights just how essential space is for today’s military operations and the critical role it will play in the future as the digital battlefield continues to evolve. Space technologies will be essential to delivering the secure, accurate, trusted and timely sovereign intelligence required for multi-domain defence operations.
Defence and national security will increasingly rely on informed decision-making at pace across all the moving parts of the modern battlespace. Without space, nations will be left missing a critical piece of the puzzle. That’s why, through programmes such as our Azalea Low Earth Orbit satellite cluster, we’re continuing to innovate in space for advantage on Earth.
To access our full Multi-Domain Integration report ‘Empowering decision-making in the information battlespace of the future’, click here.