IT Solutions for Defense Operations

With the current impact of cell network outages across almost all carriers in the US, it's a good time to talk about the future; actually, it's not even about the future, it's the present. Several years ago I started talking about having mobile robotics (air, ground and maritime robotics, like drones, rovers and submergible devices) be part of a mobile adhoc network or MANET. One example is a private mesh network, like Silvus Technologies provides. These communications solutions for high bandwidth video, C2, health and telemetry data are absolutely needed in today's environment and allow for a very flexible set-up and coverage; from a local incident scene, to a much larger area coverage, to entire cities or counties being covered. Why the need? While we in the drone industry originally focused on getting drones connected to a cell network, we quickly realized the single point of failure; the cell network infrastructure. Natural disasters, as well as manmade disasters, can impact these networks dramatically. An earthquake, hurricane, a solar storm, or a cyberattack, can take down these public networks for hours to days. And that includes public safety dedicated solutions like FirstNet or Frontline, during times when coms and data push is absolutely needed. Over the past couple of years we have seen the rise of mobile robotics deployments within private networks. While the defense side has done this approach for years, the public safety sector is still new to this concept. Some solutions integrate with a variety of antennas, amplifiers and ground stations, offer low latency, high data rates (up to 100+Mpbs), 256-bit AES encryptions and allow for a very flexible and scalable mobile ad-hoc mesh network solution. And most importantly - independence from a public network system. And now imagine you have multiple devices operating; a helicopter, a drone, a ground robotic, together with individuals on the ground, all connected and all tied into a geospatial information platform, like ATAK/TAK. Each connected device can become a node and extend the range. This is what I am calling building the Tech/Tac Bubble. This is not just the future, this is already happening with a handful of agencies across the US It's time to start thinking about alternative communication solutions and mobile robotics are an important part of leading the way. #UAV #UAS #UGV #Drones #network #MANET #Meshnetwork #publicsafety

Boeing-Palantir AI Partnership Reshapes Defense Data Warfare. Boeing Defense and Palantir just announced the integration that changes everything. Palantir's AI-driven software meets Boeing's combat platforms. Real-time battlefield decision-making just got an upgrade. The numbers tell the story. Palantir's Gotham processes sensor data from satellites, radar, and battlefield systems. Boeing platforms like F-15EX, P-8 Poseidon, and KC-46 tankers generate terabytes daily. Now they talk to each other. Three capabilities define this partnership. • Combat Decision Speed: AI processes threat data in milliseconds, not minutes. Fighter jets get targeting solutions before adversaries react. Missile defense systems predict trajectories with 40% better accuracy. • Predictive Logistics: Palantir's Foundry platform analyzes maintenance patterns across Boeing fleets. Predict failures before they ground aircraft. Cut downtime by 30%. Save millions in operational costs. • Autonomous Integration: Boeing's MQ-25 Stingray and future CCA drones get Palantir's edge computing. Swarm coordination in GPS-denied environments. Counter-AI capabilities against China's autonomous systems. Why now? China's military AI advances demand a response. Their J-20s carry PL-15 missiles with AI-enhanced targeting. Volt Typhoon cyberattacks probe our networks daily. Traditional data processing can't keep pace. The technical integration leverages Boeing's open mission systems architecture. Palantir's software interfaces with Link 16 and MADL data networks. Sensor fusion happens at the edge, not in distant data centers. Timeline matters. Pilot programs start with P-8 maritime surveillance platforms. Field tests in 2026 during Pacific exercises. Full deployment across Boeing fleets by 2028. This isn't just another defense contract. It's the blueprint for AI-enabled warfare. When milliseconds determine victory, data dominance wins wars. Your systems ready for AI integration? Open architectures defined? The future of defense is accelerating.

$20B AI Battlefield Pivot: Anduril Redefines U.S. Army Warfare Architecture Introduction: A Structural Shift in Defense Procurement and Warfare The U.S. Army’s $20 billion award to Anduril Industries marks a decisive transition toward AI-driven, software-defined warfare. By consolidating over 120 contracts into a single 10-year enterprise agreement, the Army is accelerating modernization while signaling a fundamental shift from fragmented systems to integrated, scalable platforms. Key Elements of the Contract and Technology Unified AI Command-and-Control Backbone Anduril’s Lattice platform will serve as the Army’s central command-and-control system Integrates sensors, autonomous systems, and effectors into a real-time operational picture Enables rapid interoperability across diverse battlefield assets Counter-Drone Dominance as a Priority मिश Primary mission focus is counter-UAS: detecting, tracking, and neutralizing enemy drones Demonstrated effectiveness in live testing with rapid system integration and successful intercepts Establishes “common air domain awareness” across the force Operational and Procurement Advantages Consolidates 120+ procurement actions into a single enterprise framework Reduces administrative overhead and accelerates deployment timelines Shifts acquisition toward long-term software platform relationships versus hardware fragmentation Anduril’s Emergence as a Defense Prime Challenger Founded in 2017 with a Silicon Valley, software-first approach to defense Rapid growth to approximately $2 billion in annual revenue and $60 billion valuation trajectory Positioned alongside traditional primes such as Lockheed Martin and Raytheon in critical modernization efforts Backed by major venture capital, reinforcing the rise of dual-use defense innovation Strategic Implications for Defense and Innovation Reflects lessons from Ukraine, where low-cost drones reshaped battlefield economics Establishes AI platforms as the core of future military capability, not ancillary tools Validates a new procurement model where startups can win large-scale, long-duration defense contracts Accelerates venture capital investment into AI-driven defense technologies Conclusion: The Software-Defined Battlefield Has Arrived This contract is not مجرد a procurement milestone—it is a paradigm shift. The Army is institutionalizing AI as the operational backbone of modern warfare, prioritizing speed, integration, and adaptability. Anduril’s ascent underscores a broader realignment where software-centric, venture-backed firms compete directly with legacy defense giants. The result is a more agile, data-driven military architecture designed for the realities of 21st-century conflict. I share daily insights with tens of thousands of followers across defense, tech, and policy. If this topic resonates, I invite you to connect and continue the conversation. Keith King https://lnkd.in/gHPvUttw

Lower operating costs, faster decisions, and better data control are the outcomes that Defense leaders are increasingly seeking as AI transitions from pilots to real mission use. In discussions with senior DoD leaders, there is a growing acknowledgment that architecture is crucial. A cloud-only AI model does not always align with operational realities, particularly in contested, disconnected, or time-critical environments. The path forward is leaning towards a hybrid approach. Centralized cloud environments are vital for training, collaboration, and scalability. However, inference, analytics, and decision support are most effective when situated closer to the mission—at the edge—where latency, resiliency, and trust are paramount. A representative analysis we've reviewed illustrates this point: shifting inference and analytics closer to the edge led to a reduction in ongoing AI run-rate costs by approximately 50%, while significantly enhancing responsiveness for operators and analysts. For Defense CIOs, these discussions are not merely theoretical technology debates. Hybrid AI architectures are influencing mission readiness, resilience, and long-term budget sustainability. If you are navigating similar tradeoffs, I would appreciate the opportunity to exchange insights and learn from your experiences.

NATO recently sounded the alarm over Russia's potential to disrupt Western infrastructure, particularly undersea internet cables and GPS systems. The article highlights that over 95% of international communications rely on these cables, meaning any disruption could have catastrophic consequences for military and civilian operations. To counter these threats, disaggregated operations provide a tactical solution that ensures resilience and operational continuity. This approach decentralizes critical military functions, enabling units to operate independently while maintaining horizontal communication with other units. Some specifics: We distribute C2 functions across mobile platforms, such as vehicles or portable containers, to avoid disruptions. These mobile units are designed for quick deployment, adaptability, and autonomous operation. We rely on SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Networking) to maintain communication between these mobile C2 units. By leveraging SD-WAN, we use multiple communication paths and dynamically route data to ensure secure and resilient connectivity, even when traditional networks fail. We deploy microservices across multiple nodes instead of relying on centralized servers. This decentralized approach enhances system resilience, ensuring critical services stay operational even under attack. We position compute nodes closer to the front lines to enhance resilience and reduce latency. These edge nodes process data locally, enabling faster decision-making and action. Coupled with SD-WAN, we ensure efficient data processing and communication, even in disconnected environments. We implement mesh networks, supported by SD-WAN, to provide a flexible and robust alternative when traditional hierarchical communication fails. This allows units to communicate directly with each other, maintaining operational coherence even when cut off from higher headquarters. As operations grow more complex, we ensure seamless communication between different units and allied forces. SD-WAN manages diverse communication channels, keeping these networks interoperable and effective across various platforms and nationalities. Inspired by HIMARS's "shoot and scoot" tactics, we design mobile C2, compute, and network nodes for high mobility and quick redeployment. This mobility allows us to avoid detection and targeting by adversaries while continually adapting to the battlefield's dynamic nature. We combine the mobility of these units with SD-WAN’s ability to maintain communication, enabling dynamic operations. This allows us to relocate quickly and re-establish connections to stay ahead of the enemy. We implement radium-based internal timing systems in environments where GPS is jammed or unreliable. These systems provide precise timing independent of external GPS signals, ensuring that operations can continue seamlessly despite attempts to disrupt navigation and synchronization. What do you think? #SDWAN #threat

𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟬: 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 We know the cost of response can be 100 times the cost of prevention, but when unprepared, the consequences are astronomical. A key prevention measure is a 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 to anticipate and neutralize threats before they cause harm. Many enterprises struggled during crises like 𝗟𝗼𝗴𝟰𝗷 or 𝗠𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗶𝘁 due to limited visibility into their IT estate. Proactive threat management combines 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲, and 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲. Here are few practices to address proactively: 1. 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 Having a strong understanding of your assets and dependencies is foundational to security. Maintain 𝗦𝗕𝗢𝗠𝘀 to track software components and vulnerabilities. Use an updated 𝗖𝗠𝗗𝗕 for hardware, software, and cloud assets. 2. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 Identify vulnerabilities and threats before escalation. • Leverage 𝗦𝗜𝗘𝗠/𝗫𝗗𝗥 for real-time monitoring and log analysis. • Use AI/ML tools to detect anomalies indicative of lateral movement, insider threat, privilege escalations or unusual traffic. • Regularly hunt for unpatched systems leveraging SBOM and threat intel. 3. 𝗕𝘂𝗴 𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 Uncover vulnerabilities before attackers do. • Implement bug bounty programs to identify and remediate exploitable vulnerabilities. • Use red teams to simulate adversary tactics and test defensive responses. • Conduct 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 exercises to share insights and enhance security controls. 4. 𝗜𝗺𝗺𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘂𝗽𝘀 Protect data from ransomware and disruptions with robust backups. • Use immutable storage to prevent tampering (e.g., WORM storage). • Maintain offline immutable backups to guard against ransomware. • Regularly test backup restoration for reliability. 5. 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘀 Stay ahead of adversaries with robust intelligence. • Simulate attack techniques based on known adversaries like Scatter Spider • Share intelligence within industry groups like FS-ISAC to track emerging threats. 6. 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆-𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 Employees are the first line of defense. • Train employees to identify phishing and social engineering. • Adopt a “𝗦𝗲𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗦𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴” approach to foster vigilance. • Provide clear channels for reporting incidents or suspicious activity. Effectively managing 𝗰𝘆𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸 requires a 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲, investment in tools and talent, and alignment with a defense-in-depth strategy. Regular testing, automation, and a culture of continuous improvement are essential to maintaining a strong security posture. #VISA #Cybersecurity #IncidentResponse #PaymentSecurity #12DaysOfCybersecurityChristmas

In today’s defense ecosystem, everyone’s talking about loitering munitions, swarm drones, and autonomous platforms. These are the visible tools of modern warfare—fast-moving, high-tech, headline-worthy. But the real enabler? Communication. While the drones fly and systems engage, tactical communications—the ability to transmit and receive secure, uninterrupted data and voice across all domains—is what keeps the mission coherent, the units coordinated, and the commanders informed. From my own experience in the field, I can tell you this: no action starts without a green light, and no green light comes without reliable comms. Let’s break down the real-world challenges: 1. GPS-Denied Environments Near-peer conflicts have made GNSS jamming and spoofing commonplace. Without robust fallback systems, even the best positioning or timing systems are blind. HF solutions—properly engineered—offer a resilient, SATCOM-independent layer that operates across thousands of kilometers, providing reliable time, position, and messaging continuity. 2. Urban and Cluttered Terrain In dense cities or mountainous regions, line-of-sight VHF or SATCOM is degraded. Here, self-healing MANET networks shine—especially those built for mobility, multi-hop, and dynamic topologies. Systems like those integrated by Wavestorm (including Creomagic’s advanced mesh nodes) adapt in real time, maintaining secure connectivity without fixed infrastructure. 3. High Throughput Demands for ISR and Video Today’s commanders demand real-time ISR feeds from unmanned platforms—often over extended distances. Traditional narrowband radios can’t keep up. High-bandwidth MANET radios, capable of pushing HD video with low latency, are becoming essential—not just nice-to-have. 4. Contested Spectrum and EW Threats Jammers and intercept tools are evolving fast. Communications gear must now incorporate frequency agility, cognitive routing, LPI/LPD modes, and encryption—not as upgrades, but as base requirements. 5. Disconnected, Disrupted, Intermittent, and Limited (D-DIL) Conditions Humanitarian missions, SOF teams, Arctic patrols—many operations begin where infrastructure ends. HF, VHF, and MANET each serve a role in these D-DIL scenarios. The trick is not picking one, but integrating all—multi-layered, interoperable comms that adjust to the environment in real time. Wavestorm Technologies specialize in these multi-domain communication layers: -HF radio systems for long-range redundancy -VHF solutions for tactical ground and vehicular mobility -Advanced MANET networks for ISR, C2, and mission-critical data flow *All platforms are MIL-STD-certified, hot-zone validated, and optimized for mission continuity under stress. This is not about radios. It’s about delivering information when it matters most. #TacticalComms #MANET #HF #VHF #MilitaryInnovation #EWResilience #DefenseTech #C2Systems #ISR #WavestormTechnologies Canadian Armed Forces | Forces armées canadiennes US Army

In the past few days alone, I’ve heard of multiple incidents of friendly fire and unexpected explosions while handling ammunition. It’s operational reality. If you’re a decision maker or advising military and security organizations, unmanned systems saving lives is not a future concept. It’s already happening in real operations. But the impact is not where most people think. It’s not about replacing soldiers but about who takes the first risk. A few examples from the field: 1. Clearing buildings before entry: Units deploy systems from XTEND to enter buildings first and provide real-time visibility. A soldier doesn’t step into the unknown. 2. Preventing friendly fire through identification layers: BlueForce simplifies tracking of friendly forces and provide real-time awareness of positions, vehicles and equipment on the tactical layer and with a light solution. It’s not just seeing, it’s immediately knowing who you’re seeing. 3. Detecting mines and IEDs: Robots from Roboteam are sent ahead to locate and neutralize explosives. The blast risk shifts away from the soldier. 4. Safer handling of ammunition and explosives: Solutions from @Explosity enable safer manipulation, installation, and operation of explosive payloads, whether on the ground or integrated into unmanned platforms. Reduces accidental detonations and exposure during handling. 5. Intercepting drone threats: Detection and counter-drone systems from Sentrycs | Counter-Drone Solutions Adapting at the Speed of Threats identify and disrupt hostile drones before they reach forces. The engagement starts earlier, at distance. 6. Search & rescue in complex environments: Systems like Macushla are used to access unstable environments and locate people without exposing responders. Humans don’t need to enter first. 7. Logistics without exposure (emerging): Platforms like AIR point toward a future where payloads and eventually people can move without ground exposure. Still early, but direction is clear. 8. Future: robotic teammates Systems like Agility Robotics show how machines could assist soldiers in movement and load. Not there yet, but getting closer. If even one of these was new to you and can help reduce risk where you operate, I’ll take that as my mitzvah for today. 🙏 R.I.P Guy Loder 🫡 R.I.P Barak Kalfon 🫡 Shahar Omri Alik Lisyansky Liad Fifer DDR&D (MAFAT) Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) #Defensetech #Lifesavers #Unmannedvehicles

In a groundbreaking development, a new #technology now facilitates joint data sharing in a #collaborative digital war room, seamlessly integrating data, users, and existing common operational pictures into a unified environment. This innovative #solution creates a single virtual space where commanders can effectively monitor all pertinent status indicators. This cutting-edge system is safeguarded by a robust #DDIL architecture, ensuring operational continuity even in scenarios of denied or degraded communications. Unlike traditional planning tools that rely heavily on constant network connectivity, Immersive Wisdom stands out for its resilience. It operates efficiently at remarkably ultra low bandwidth levels and can function seamlessly even in the absence of communications for extended periods. By enabling critical Command and Control (#C2) functions to remain active when networks are disrupted or nodes are isolated, Immersive Wisdom empowers the "untethered operator" in the field. This capability allows the United States Department of Defense (#DOD) to uphold mission continuity in environments where conventional coordination methods like email and video teleconferencing would falter.