Blackned wants to drive the digitalization of armed forces with its Tatical Core, as CEO Joel Langenberg explains. A conversation about the associated opportunities and challenges, digitalization strategies of the German Armed Forces and what role his company wants to play in the Austrian market.
Mr Langenberg, many armed forces are currently facing the challenge of having to digitize their often outdated structures. How big is this challenge really?
This challenge is indeed enormous. Ongoing initiatives by NATO and the EU confirm a growing awareness of the need to digitalize armed forces in order to ensure and increase information superiority and defence capability in a sustainable manner and with a view to the current global challenges. Digitalization or digital transformation certainly means the introduction of new, disruptive technologies that connect the chain of effects of weapon systems in the first place, automate them more and thus make them more efficient and effective. However, it is not just the introduction of new technologies that enables digital transformation, but also the integration of existing technologies into the target image of a networked network of effects.
So we are talking about a very comprehensive approach that is needed for digitalization?
Exactly, because in addition to the technological factor, there are also other factors that need to be considered in order to shape digitalization holistically and comprehensively. Structures and procurement processes, traditional thought patterns that have been valid for a long time and, last but not least, the people affected must be considered. The result is a complexity that presents the armed forces with the major challenge of taking many factors into account simultaneously in order to digitalize successfully.
With Tactical Core, your company promises a “framework for a future-proof and open digital platform for a wide range of digitalization projects”. What does that mean in detail?
In detail, this means that our software solution answers the pressing questions of secure, mobile and stable networking of various communication and information systems and technologies on the battlefield, from the dismounted soldier to the command post, between land, air and sea platforms. Our vendor-neutral and therefore open approach makes it possible to provide data, i.e. information, from these different systems and platforms to all participants in the networked group on the battlefield in order to make decisions. On the one hand, the various systems can be systems that have already been procured and are in use, while on the other hand our Tactical Core enables the integration of new, innovative technologies that meet the respective requirements so that armed forces are fit for the future.
What are the unique selling points of Tactical Core?
Tactical Core offers armed forces a reliable and efficient data and communication infrastructure. Regardless of the transmission medium or application, an independent, cross-sectionally usable communication network and a uniform, distributed database – a shared information space – are made available to ensure efficient harmonization and synchronization, for example via narrowband communication media. All of this is embedded in an overarching security architecture, independent of other system elements. In addition, the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has certified the data transmission of Tactical Core with the “NATO Restricted” security level.
And how do armed forces benefit from this? So what opportunities are associated with it?
Tactical Core is the enabler for a manufacturer-independent digitalization of armed forces. It enables a gradual, controllable migration from and with existing legacy systems to a future-proof, expandable technology platform, thereby creating interoperability between allied armed forces on the one hand and achieving information superiority and decision-making advantages over opposing forces on the other.
Blackned has only been around for a few years and is a comparatively small player on the market. Why did the Bundeswehr nevertheless choose your company for its “Digitalization of Land-Based Operations” (D-LBO) project?
The founders of Blackned are former officers of the German Armed Forces who experienced first-hand the challenges of communications technology at the time. This experience was the starting point for their motivation to significantly improve the communication capabilities of the armed forces. On this basis, Blackned was able to develop a modular and highly mobile communications concept at an early stage, which was successfully implemented in the “Subscriber network, deployable” project. Particularly noteworthy was the development of a highly mobile communication element in the form of a backpack, which laid the foundation for Tactical Core and thus the technical basis for D-LBO.
Nevertheless, it is not a matter of course that the contract was awarded to your comparatively small company.
No, it is not. However, our close and continuous cooperation with the Bundeswehr has enabled us to develop a practical and efficient solution in studies and projects. Many of our employees have a background in the armed forces themselves and are familiar with the specific requirements and challenges. This shared experience and our deep understanding of the Bundeswehr’s needs meant that we spoke a common language from the outset and delivered tailored results. In December 2021, the Bundeswehr therefore decided to commission us with the series production of the Tactical Core. This decision reflects the Bundeswehr’s trust in our expertise, flexibility and innovative strength, which we have successfully demonstrated despite our relatively young company history.
What steps have already been taken as part of D-LBO and how will the project continue?
The D-LBO project is actually much further advanced than is sometimes portrayed in the press. In September 2023, for example, there were reports claiming that the Bundeswehr had neglected to integrate the systems or that radio equipment would age unused in the depot and lose its warranty. However, these statements do not correspond to reality. System integration as part of D-LBO follows a clearly defined plan that was developed back in 2022. This plan is being implemented consistently, while being flexibly adapted to current requirements – such as the specific requirements of Division 2025 or the brigade in Lithuania. Developments are proceeding according to plan and cooperation with industry is progressing rapidly. ( -> Blackned and its partner Rheinmetall have now been commissioned with the IT system integration, with Blackned accounting for around 470 million euros of the total volume of 1.2 billion euros.)
Does this mean that cooperation agreements and contracts have already been concluded?
Yes, we have already concluded most of the necessary contracts for system integration and the last contract negotiations are in the final phase. This ensures that the systems are integrated in a targeted manner and in line with the Bundeswehr’s strategic objectives. The D-LBO project is therefore well on the way to implementing the modernization and digitalization of the Bundeswehr efficiently and on schedule.
Despite its lean structure, is your company in a position to tackle these challenges alone? Or do you work together with partners to implement them?
No company can manage such a complex project as D-LBO on its own. That is why Blackned works with many partners who take on certain tasks in the practical implementation of the project or simply provide support. The pure software development of the system core and the adaptation to the numerous platforms of the public client is essentially carried out by Blackned itself.
Which partners does Blackned have on board?
For the major task of system integration, the industry has set up several joint ventures, which, for example, take care of the realization of the IT setup or the major task of vehicle integration. For the realization of further projects within the overall framework of D-LBO, there are further close cooperations with companies with which Blackned has a relationship as a subcontractor or general contractor, and Blackned will only be able to expand into the international market within a country-specific ecosystem.
In what way?
We aim to cooperate with the defense industry in new markets in order to integrate our software solutions into their military systems. For example, we have licensed rebuildable documents to system integrators. The system integrators use these to build communication systems for the national armed forces in the respective country. In particular, I would like to emphasize that we can implement our software with country-specific encryption for each of these countries. Our software has interfaces to which the national crypto industry, for example, can dock in order to develop this country-specific encryption.
Does Blackned also realize projects similar to D-LBO in other countries?
The more the realization of the digitalization of the German land forces came into focus, the greater the interest of other nations in our solution. Please understand that I do not want to go into any more detail here for competitive reasons. However, I can give you one example. Please.
In the USA, Blackned is involved in a large number of important projects and supplies the basic software for communication tasks. We have succeeded in convincing leading American manufacturers to use our Tactical Core solution instead of their own software in order to implement projects for the US Army (-> current news about the US armed forces). This cooperation has already led to successful operational tests, and Tactical Core is currently in the US Army’s testing and approval phase (ATO process).
At the moment, your company is also increasingly looking to Austria, as the Austrian Armed Forces are also on the verge of a digitalization offensive, as Lieutenant General Bruno Hofbauer, Head of Planning, tells us in an interview(-> “We’re really stepping up the pace!”). Will Blackned play a role in this?
Naturally, we want to play a central role in this initiative, as we are convinced of the efficiency of our solutions. Blackned strives to work closely with Austrian industry to make the most modern and efficient digitalization technologies available to the Austrian Armed Forces. Our aim is to implement these solutions quickly, cost-effectively and successfully. In doing so, we attach great importance to comprehensively understanding the specific requirements of the Austrian Armed Forces and offering solutions tailored to them. At the same time, we bring over 15 years of experience to the partnership in order to provide the armed forces with a tailor-made solution that has proven itself in practice.
You said that Blackned aims to work closely with the local industry?
Exactly. That is a very important aspect of our approach. Our goal is to create added value for the Austrian defense industry through system integration and local production. We see the greatest potential for successful and rapid implementation of the digitalization offensive in this combination.
In your opinion, what are the challenges facing the Austrian Armed Forces?
The armed forces are facing several complex challenges, particularly in the context of digitalization. One central challenge is the integration of the established infrastructure, which is of great value. This existing infrastructure, which has been built up over many years, must not only be taken into account in a digitalization strategy, but also protected and optimally integrated.
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As a result, the armed forces have a wide variety of systems and technologies.
The armed forces actually use a wide range of manufacturers, weapon systems and communication technologies, all of which need to be harmonized with one another. The challenge here is to develop solutions that enable the seamless integration of these different systems. A practical example of this is the connection of older, analog on-board communication systems to modern digital radio technologies or even cellular communication structures such as 4G and 5G. This integration requires customized approaches to ensure that existing technologies can also be used efficiently in a digital environment. In addition, the consolidation of data from various sources such as radar systems, optical sensors, drones and other surveillance systems is an essential aspect of digital transformation. Effective networking and analysis of this data is crucial to improving the Armed Forces’ ability to communicate and make decisions. However, these challenges also offer opportunities.
For example?
Targeted digitalization and integration can significantly increase the operational capability of the armed forces and prepare them for the requirements of the future.
“It is not only the introduction of new technologies that enables digital transformation, but also the integration of existing technologies into the target image of a networked network of effects.”
Blackned-CEO Joel Langenberg
Do you see any other areas of application for Tactical Core?
Tactical Core also offers significant advantages for civil security far beyond military use. One important capability is the provision of a highly mobile and autonomous 5G/4G network. This technology can be flexibly deployed in various formats, such as in vehicles or even in backpacks …
… which would make you highly mobile?
Yes, the scenario in a backpack really does open up completely new possibilities in disaster control. In crisis areas, where the regular communication infrastructure is often destroyed or inaccessible, Tactical Core can enable self-sufficient 5G communication in the vicinity of the disaster area for four to six hours. This allows emergency personnel to communicate efficiently and securely via smartphones as soon as they arrive on site – via voice, data and video. This capability can make a decisive contribution to significantly improving the coordination and effectiveness of rescue and relief measures in disaster areas. In addition to disaster scenarios, we also see potential areas of application in supporting major events where temporary and high-performance communication networks are required, as well as in securing critical infrastructures.
Finally, how do you see the further development of your company and the entire subject area? Will we still be talking about digitalization in ten years’ time, or will most of the projects already be completed by then?
Digitalization in the defence sector is still in its infancy. There is currently talk of transporting critical data and solutions are being developed for this. There are also intelligent, distributed databases and cloud solutions to make information available in a normalized form for a variety of applications. However, we are still in the early stages in this area in particular and are not yet able to gain a complete overview of its use and development. The connection between sensor and effector will also be a key task in the near future. AI is currently integrated to a certain extent in subsystems. However, to my knowledge, the cross-system use of AI is not yet available. The multitude of tasks and intended applications will certainly keep Blackned busy and growing for many years to come.
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