The Armed Forces is pressing ahead with its digitalization: With an investment of 72.8 million euros, the Danish Danish manufacturer Systematic more than 500 software licenses for a “tactical command information system” and more than 1,000 software licenses for a “battlefield management system”.
According to information from Systematic, these are the two command and control software solutions SitaWare Headquarters and SitaWare Frontline, and the compatibility of the two systems with the systems used at NATO C4ISR solutions (-> Systematic supplies SitaWare to NATO) was “a key criterion” for the award of the contract.
Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner: “The current security situation in Europe and especially the situation in Ukraine (-> current news from the Ukraine war) show that European armed forces must work together. By introducing a tried-and-tested digital system that is already in use in numerous European countries, it is possible to work together smoothly with other armed forces, even as a neutral partner.”
Sven Trusch, Managing Director of Systematic’s German branch: “We are very pleased to welcome the Austrian Armed Forces to the SitaWare user community. This contract demonstrates Austria’s commitment to improving its operational efficiency and interoperability. With Austria, all countries in the DACH region are finally using SitaWare for command and control.”
The “Battle Management System” enables soldiers to transmit data from the deployment site on the battlefield to the command post of their superior command in real time at the touch of a button. The data is processed there and countermeasures are initiated within a very short time. This system also enables improved situational awareness of who is where in the immediate vicinity, where vehicles are located and also supports so-called friend or foe identification.
The “tactical command information system” in turn serves to support the command and planning process of commanders at all levels and their staffs in the situation centers.
“This type of digitalization of the Austrian Armed Forces requires a provider with extensive experience in this field,” according to a recent statement from the Austrian Armed Forces. “The company Systematics, which was awarded the contract, has equipped more than 50 armies worldwide, including many European armed forces. Thanks to this provider, the positive experiences and mistakes made by other armies can be avoided when introducing the system in Austria.”
In addition to the procurement of software licenses, the investment sum also includes the costs for training and education for a period of five years.
Armaments Director Major General Harald Vodosek: “Combat management systems and command information systems serve to improve leadership and capabilities, increase leadership performance at all levels, support the command and planning process of commanders and staffs and are an important milestone in the digitalization of the Austrian Armed Forces.”
The two software systems will be implemented in all branches of the Austrian Armed Forces, including the militia battalions.
First of all, they should – as as Lieutenant General Bruno Hofbauer explained in an interview with Militär Aktuell: “We are really stepping up the pace” – to be delivered to the academies and schools of the Austrian Armed Forces at the beginning of 2025 in order to be able to revise the necessary regulations on the one hand and to use the new systems in basic officer training on the other.
As part of the growing partnership, Systematic Defence is planning to open a new office in Vienna. The aim is to “further strengthen our commitment to customers in the DACH region”.
Here for more army news and here to further news about Systematic.
