It is a milestone in the implementation of the “Digitalization Land-Based Operations” (D-LBO) programme: The digital communication platform Tactical Core from the military IT service provider Blackned has now passed the final functional tests under combat-related conditions following the laboratory tests and is now considered operational.
The digitalization of the armed forces is thus making further progress. As part of the D-LBO program, Blackned 2021 was awarded by the Bundeswehr to develop the software for a network that connects all units involved on the battlefield. Tactical Core, which consists of several software components, has now also passed the final functional tests. Thanks to its central function, Tactical Core is a core element of the D-LBO program and “therefore meets all the requirements for deployment,” says Timo Haas, CEO of Blackned. “The software architecture, product management, project management and development have completed their tasks purposefully, effectively and with a great deal of passionate commitment.” https://militaeraktuell.at/ex-indische-su-30k-nun-alle-in-afrika/ The superiority of armed forces is increasingly dependent on the availability of centrally hosted digital services that ensure the exchange of data between all systems involved in an operation. “Software and artificial intelligence (AI) are critical enablers for modern military operations, leading the evolution towards cross-domain operations, improving interoperability between allied forces and supporting the achievement of information superiority and decision advantages over adversaries,” explains the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in its summary of the report “Software-defined Defense: Algorithms at War” (February 2023). Tactical Core essentially works with the software components Xonitor as a monitoring and management tool, Ridux for the reliable and efficient data and communication infrastructure and MeshFlow to enable connectivity, even when soldiers are moving around the area of operations. The German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has certified the data transmission of Tactical Core with the highest security level “NATO Restricted”. For the final functional tests, Blackned worked with the Bundeswehr Technical Service to examine the functionality in simulated operational scenarios. To this end, units with vehicles and personnel worked with Tactical Core in near-combat conditions.
