Technology has rapidly developed and evolved, transforming several industries. With the Department of Defense launching strategic technological development initiatives, technology is now shaping modern warfare. Ordnance will not simply consist of traditional physical equipment as we know it. In this new era of military technology, weaponry will be defined by its advanced digital capabilities, with a key focus on data, artificial intelligence, and connectivity. The integration of these digital capabilities to military operations will lead to profound changes on how war is fought. Below are examples of innovative technologies and the competitive advantages they offer in today’s digital battleground.
- Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV)
UAVs, commonly known as drones, have been utilized in military operations for years. Drone technology has constantly evolved. The most recent developments focus on linking it with artificial intelligence (AI). The vision is to leverage AI’s capabilities to gather intelligence on enemy activity, detect enemy intrusions, and decode messages using machine learning. These insights reduce soldiers’ cognitive workload and enable troops to tactically respond to threats.
- Air Force Intelligence System
The Air Force is investing in a project to build a new system that will automatically send intelligence to front-line forces. This system is aimed at ending the vulnerability caused by the military’s current communication systems that are unable to keep pace with modern warfare. With the current system, data is not shared automatically between planes. Data is manually shared and analyzed before it reaches the pilot. The new Air Force intelligence system will automatically collect information about emerging threats and push it to pilots, increasing real-time situational awareness.
- Mosaic Warfare
Mosaic Warfare, a concept being developed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, is a multi-domain approach to war. The goal of this project is to create an AI powered mass communication network linking all warfighter platforms-- missile batteries, tanks, planes, ships, etc. The AI would provide insights that enable better decision-making, such as which asset is most effective in carrying out a specific mission. For example, if both Air Force and Navy aircraft are in an area to be targeted, AI could suggest which would be the better choice.
- Virtual Reality (VR) for Military Training
While VR is not directly used in the battleground like the aforementioned technologies, it is the future of military training. VR is an immersive technology that improves soldier’s combat readiness. Virtual simulation of specialized military training exercises can be created, reducing the danger associated with training in the field. This method of training also significantly reduces training budgets.
Ultimately, the integration of advanced technologies in military operations is transforming the battleground and redefining warfare as we know it. It will be of utmost importance for the military to keep up with these technologies as it evolves to maintain its competitive advantage.
