DefenseScoop’s Post

The U.S. military’s Indo-Pacific Command will be gearing up to demonstrate a prototype of its Joint Fires Network later this year, providing key data for an operational instantiation of the Pentagon’s top priority to better connect its systems and improve decision-making. The Joint Fires Network is a prototyping effort that addresses the immediate needs of combatant commands while serving as a pathfinder for the broader Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJAD2) effort, which envisions how systems across the entire battlespace from all services and key international partners could be more effectively and holistically networked to provide the right data to commanders, faster. https://lnkd.in/dy2DcDRr

U. S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) posted 1 July update: In the past 24 hours U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces conducted a self-defense engagement, destroying three Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) in the Red Sea. It was determined the USVs presented an imminent threat to U.S. and coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure. This continued malign and reckless behavior by the Iranian-backed Houthis threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. https://lnkd.in/efHyAtFK

June 20 Central Command Update TAMPA, Fla. – In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed four Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed surface vessels (USV) in the Red Sea, and two uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) over the Red Sea. There were no injuries or damage reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels. It was determined these systems presented an imminent threat to U.S. forces, coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. These actions were taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels. https://ow.ly/vAKm50SmT1n

“Command structures, authorities, and protocols should be built for the worst-case environment for exercising command over fielded forces.” - ADM(ret) Scott Swift. No network or comms channel is robust enough to guarantee crisis transmission of commander’s intent; the routine exercise of mission command and blunt assesment of subordinate commander’s movement, maneuver, intelligence, fires, sustainment, and protection is essential for the inevitable moment that independent action becomes necessary on the high seas.

LTG John Costello, #ArmySMDC commander, announces at the AUSA Symposium in El Paso, Texas, a new operation concept for globally integrated missile defense, which incorporates cruise, theater and national missile defense, Dec. 7, 2000. Costello observed that "the line between theater and global missile capabilities will become increasingly blurred as countries begin developing the delivery to reach the United States and to threaten our allies." Noting that these weapons could be launched from platforms operating offshore or in the Western Hemisphere, the cruise and tactical missiles could be direct against the United States and shorter range interceptors would in fact be providing a defense for the nation. Costello added that the theater commanders and the commander in chief of U.S. Space Command use the same satellite constellations to detect missile launches and the same early warning networks to provide the necessary alerts. This commonality should be extended to the interceptors to create "three families of systems completely interoperable with each other." #TBT

Requirements aren’t the most important military focus for now. The greater focus is on outcomes - by doing so, they’ll be able to become more integrated in all domains force. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3QN67ab #NationalDefenseMagazine #UKDefence #MilitaryFocus #OutcomeCentric

The concept of Joint Fires Network sounds pretty ambitious, and links together a bunch of existing capabilities to meet a real need. "...“The approach we’ve taken with the Joint Fires Network is to pull together a best-of-breed approach of Project Convergence from the Army, Overmatch from the Navy and Marine Corps and then ABMS from the Air Force along with the DARPA aspect of Assault Breaker II, to pull all those together and deliver a real near-time, best-of-breed solution to be able to command and control the joint force and ultimately close the kill chain,” [outgoing Indo-Pacom chief Adm. John Aquilino] told the Senate Armed Services Committee Thursday. “The way we have articulated it and linked it with the building … is we’re going to provide some insights into the further development of CJADC2 as it goes forward.” Assault Breaker II, modeled after the initial effort in 1978, aims to alter how the U.S. military thinks about designing, buying and deploying systems in the future using existing and emerging technologies across the services and commercial industry to address capability gaps. Budget documents note it’s critical to designing and fielding near-, mid- and far-term solutions to outpace adversaries..."

The Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon (RFDEW) beam is a cost-effective alternative to missile-based, air defence systems. It can be operated by one person and protect and defend critical assets and bases. Our experts are delivering battle-winning technology to our Armed Forces at pace. #RadioFrequency #RadioWaves #DirectedEnergy #ScienceandTechnology

August 9 U.S. Central Command Update TAMPA, Fla. - In the past 24 hours, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed one Iranian-backed Houthi missile launcher and one uncrewed surface vessel in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. Additionally, USCENTCOM forces successfully destroyed two Houthi uncrewed aerial vehicles over the Red Sea. These weapons presented a clear and imminent threat to U.S. and coalition forces, and merchant vessels in the region. This reckless and dangerous behavior by Iranian-backed Houthis continues to threaten regional stability and security. https://ow.ly/zI1T50SV6Qa