Joint Theater Missile Defense Interoperability
Abstract
Global proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction is directly tied to the rapid development of Theater Ballistic Missiles (TBMs) as both a political and military weapon of choice in developing nations. As such, the U.S. Joint Forces Commander (JFC) is faced with the issue of optimizing own-force Theater Missile Defense (TMD) assets as well as those of Coalition partners. Underpinning the issue of TMD resource allocation and employment are the issues of interoperability and integration of Joint Force, i.e., service component unique, Battle Management/Command, Control and Communications (BM/C3) systems into an information architecture that supports TMD. The problem of TMD BM/C3 interoperability is aggravated in coalition or multi-national warfare, where all TMD players do not have equal access to information. BM/C3 Tactical Data Processors (TDPs) have embedded data correlation or data fusion algorithms as the "brain" of the system used to develop a common picture of the battlespace. These data correlation algorithms may take the form of mathematical equations, "IF - THEN" statements or logical rules. The differences between data correlation algorithms is reflected as differences in the common picture displayed in a BM/C3 system among the various TMD players and the JFC. In order to improve multi-service and multi-national interoperability in the near term, the JFC commander may selectively alter the information architecture within a specific theater to optimize data correlation and better develop a single, common picture of the battlespace. In the long term, the JFC must advocate the joint acquisition of BM/C3 systems that not only "look alike," but "think alike."
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 03, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA348852
Entities
People
- Brian D. Neuenfeldt
Organizations
- Naval War College