In the ever-evolving world of military technology, the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard are racing to keep up with their most powerful opponent yet: time. The rapid development of new technologies, particularly in the maritime sector, has necessitated a re-evaluation of procurement and acquisition processes, as well as the embrace of standardized acquisition and improved data analysis.
WEST 2024: Meeting Technological Challenges
WEST 2024, held in San Diego, California, serves as a platform to address these challenges head-on. With a focus on enhancing operations and decision-making by leveraging new technologies and capabilities, maritime services are looking to strike the right balance between manned and unmanned systems. The conference brings together key stakeholders from the military, industry and academia to discuss and strategize on how best to navigate the changing technological landscape.
One of the most pressing issues facing the maritime services is the unique set of technological challenges posed by the harsh environment of ships. Customized solutions are needed to ensure new systems can withstand the rigors of the open sea, while still providing the capabilities necessary to maintain tactical superiority.
Augmented reality technology and military training: a new era
On February 6, 2024, cadets and staff of the United States Military Academy at West Point experienced a glimpse into the future of military training. A demonstration of augmented reality (AR) technology, presented by Magic Leap and ARTAK, showcased the potential applications of AR in military training and education.
The augmented reality platform, which allows for precise navigation and interaction, has the potential to revolutionize tactical planning, communication and collaboration. Examples of its potential applications include the augmented reality table, which provides a comprehensive, data-rich environment for strategy and decision-making.
Anduril Industries: A paradigm shift in capacity
One company at the forefront of this technological revolution is Anduril Industries. Their family of autonomous systems, powered by Lattice OS, an open, AI-powered operating system, automates defense missions and provides integrated, continuous awareness and security across land, sea and air.
Their autonomous aerial vehicles, like the Roadrunner and Fury, and autonomous underwater vehicles like Dive-LD, are all expensive, connected and controlled by Lattice. These systems are designed to save critical time by independently identifying and flagging threats, allowing employees to focus on more complex tasks.
The potential of unmanned systems in military operations is enormous, as they have the potential to transform warfare. These systems, which vary in cost and capacity, are used in remote, semi-autonomous and autonomous modes of operation, and are experiencing rapid development.
The combination of unmanned systems, digital command and control, and new-age networks of civilian and military sensors will make it possible to fight differently, benefiting Western militaries. This combination would enable the democratization of high-quality information, change how military institutions command and control forces, assemble and reassemble combined and combined arms teams, apply tactics and operational art, and train and educate people.
As WEST 2024 draws to a close, it is clear that the challenges facing the military in keeping up with the pace of technological development are complex and multifaceted. However, by focusing on acquisitions and acquisitions, leveraging new technologies and capabilities, and embracing modular acquisition and improved data analysis, the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard are well positioned to meet these challenges head-on.
With augmented reality technology demonstrating its potential for military training and education, and with companies like Anduril Industries pushing the boundaries of autonomous systems, the future of military technology is not only exciting, but essential for maintaining tactical superiority in an ever-changing world.
