Dstl’s Single Information Environment (SInfoE) structure solves the issue of accessing data throughout completely different methods and domains.
For years, UK defence has been attempting to unravel the problem of accessing data from tons of completely different methods and sources. The objective is to ensure all this data will be shared shortly, so army resolution makers at each degree have the complete image and could make good selections for profitable army operations.
Information integration is the muse of interoperability.
Information must be shared shortly from:
- radar
- satellites
- plane
- warships
- drones
- air defence methods
- troopers on the bottom
In the long run, the army will use a combination of previous and new methods, together with autonomous platforms and absolutely digital instruments like AI resolution help. This will make managing and connecting all the data much more difficult.
How Single Information Environment structure may also help
Dstl’s Cyber and Information Systems (CIS) started tackling this drawback in 2018 to discover the scope of the problem, construct consensus and develop doable options.
By 2021 the workforce, alongside with business companions, had constructed the muse of what’s now referred to as the Single Information Environment (SInfoE) structure. This is a set of MOD-owned software parts that allow fast search, discovery and entry to information.
They guarantee data can transfer easily from its level of origin to its level of want.
Involvement of MDIS
In 2021, Dstl’s work caught the eye of the Defence Equipment and Support led Game Changer programme known as Multi-Domain Integrated Systems (MDIS).
The intention was to unlock the potential of drones working collaboratively to offer the UK Armed Forces with freedom of entry and manoeuvre on the battlefield.
ARCHERON: the trial
In July 2024, MDIS performed a month-long trial, ARCHERON, during which Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force methods have been built-in with drones from business companions.
The trial efficiently confirmed how the Single Information Environment may also help completely different army methods from completely different suppliers shortly share vital operational information.
Amanda, Dstl Senior Principal Consultant and originator and coordinator of SInfoE structure says:
The Single Information Environment facilitates quick discovery of, and entry to, data from a spread of army methods, permitting any system to be related. It means defence can shortly get all the data it wants to hold out profitable operations.
NATO interoperability is a precedence for UK MOD. NATO requirements on the coronary heart of the Single Information Environment make it simpler to interoperate with NATO companions.
Richard, Dstl Communications and Networks Programme Manager says:
Having only one Single Information Environment interface per system has the potential to considerably scale back integration time, to hours and days, whereas saving many thousands and thousands of kilos.
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