Command and control (C2) systems enable military commanders and personnel with sufficient authority to make decisions and utilize information, assets and resources at their disposal in order to successfully carry out missions and achieve objectives.
Software systems play a large part in effective C2, allowing users to create, disseminate and make use of information in a wide range of scenarios including defense, homeland security and peacekeeping.
Military C2 Software
C2 software is essential for enhancing situational awareness and creating a common operational picture for all personnel concerned. It may be specific to particular domains such as ground, air or naval forces, or provide a wider multi-domain scope, and may provide interoperability between different allied forces.
Intelligence & Information
Command and control software may handle a wide range of sources of data and intelligence. These can include feeds from radar systems, cameras on board manned aircraft, UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), ground vehicles, and vessels, as well as satellite imagery. Intelligence may also be gained from sources such as electronic warfare and SIGINT (signals intelligence), as well as cyber warfare.
Connectivity & Dissemination
C2 software can provide a variety of methods for disseminating information. It may utilize a mapping platform with a GIS engine to display real-time battlefield information. Connectivity may be established with military communications networks such as combat radios, and information may be fed to forces in the field, including vehicles and dismounted soldier systems.
Additional Terms
A number of additional terms are relevant to C2 and C2 software, encompassing related capabilities or emphasizing certain sub-concepts. These include but are not limited to:
C2I – command, control and intelligence C2ISTAR – command, control, intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance C3 – command, control and communication C4 – command, control, communication and computers C5I – command, control, communications, computers, cyber (or collaboration) and intelligence
MilDef is set to deliver command-and-control (C2) systems to the Swedish Navy, enhancing NATO interoperability and secure communication with its OneCIS software and integration services
Lockheed Martin integrated the Q-53 multi-mission radar (MMR) with Anduril's Lattice C2 software during the U.S. Central Command Desert Guardian exercise, enabling advanced drone detection and tracking
Saab’s Autonomous Ocean Core is an autonomous control system suitable for military applications, aiding uncrewed naval vessels in mine detection and clearance, ISR, and EW
Lattice, the open and extensible software platform for command and control from Anduril, will be integrated into global infrastructure through a new partnership with Oracle
Auterion Government Solutions has released the Skynode S, the Auterion T&I App, and the Dragon Reference Design kit, to provide attritable, low-cost unmanned aerial systems to track and destroy targets in battle
Auterion and blackned GmbH are working together to develop a solution which enables the safe and efficient control of UxVs in the digital battlefield, integrating Auterion’s software with the TACTICAL CORE middleware
Forcys will explore the integration of its solutions into the Cube Modular Mission Capability system by SH Defence, capable of turning many platforms into a future-proof multi-mission capability
Anduril Industries' Menace-X is designed for mobile command and control (C2) in difficult communication environments, enabling complex mission sets such as deep sensing and coordination of maritime surface fires
A Banshee Jet 80 drone communicated with a crewed aircraft using QinetiQ’s Airborne Command and Control for Swarm Interoperable Missions (ACCSIOM) technology, as part of a UK defense forces flight test
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