Army C4IT Team
Defence Science and Technology Agency, DSO National Laboratories, the Singapore Army and ST Electronics

Citation

The Secure Army Battlefield Internet (ABI) integrates multiple Army command and control (C2) systems, radios and communication networks and allows Army commanders and frontline units to share information securely on the battlefield, improving common situational awareness and combat effectiveness. Besides completing the large-scale and complex upgrading of existing ABI technology, the team also introduced new capabilities and automated operational processes, achieving significant manpower and cost savings for the Army. Advanced cybersecurity measures were also developed for the ABI and its unique tactical operating environment. This is the first time the team is winning an award for their project. In recognition of the team's significant achievements, it is awarded the DTP 2017 Team (Engineering) Award.

Technical Innovation and Operational Impact

The vital backbone of communications on the battlefield, the ABI connects all computer systems operated by the Singapore Army. The team successfully upgraded and integrated different generations of Army communications equipment and networks, while also strengthening the overall cybersecurity of the ABI.

The team's innovations include:

a. Enhanced network connectivity on the battlefield

In delivering the ABI, the team revamped the Wide Area Communications network (WAC) to achieve a 17-fold increase in the speed of information exchange as compared to the analogue system that is still in service. The ABI now supports older C2 and voice-based systems that were not designed for interconnectivity. This gives soldiers access to a wider range of tools for faster, richer communications and more synchronised operations. It also extends the "shelf life" of existing systems, saving costs while posing minimal disruptions to Army operations.

The Digitised Trunk Communications System was also upgraded to let command posts send high-resolution videos and images during mission planning, as well as share data in real time with soldiers on the ground. Bandwidth upgrades to the satellite communications network further extended the reach and robustness of the WAC, without compromising on quality and speed of communications.

In addition, the team also developed new technologies for the ABI to improve communications at the tactical-level. The vehicle-mounted Software Defined Radio (SDR) system enables simultaneous voice and data communication among field troops and headquarters with four times more data capacity compared to the old system. No longer limited to just voice transmissions, soldiers can now send images and videos to build a clearer common situational picture. Introducing the SDR reduced the number of radios carried by tactical units by 50%, hence reducing the physical load on each soldier.

b. Leaner, faster digitised command post

The team successfully delivered a new all-in-one integrated command post for commanders at Division and Brigade Headquarters, which are considered as the "nerve centres" of the Army. Equipment for command posts can now be loaded into one vehicle to be operated by four men, compared to two vehicles operated by twelve men previously. The team achieved this by tapping server virtualisation technology to reduce the amount of server space taken up by the Command and Control Information System, a C2 system that provides situational awareness among command posts. Thus, a single server resource can house multiple virtual servers, freeing up physical space.  

c. Advanced cybersecurity for a tactical environment

The team delivered an advanced "Protect, Detect and Respond" cybersecurity capability for two ABI C4I systems -- the Battlefield Management System and Advanced Combat Man System. This capability proactively monitors the C4I terminals' status, automates authentication checks and provides real-time threat response, minimising the risks associated with information leakage.

The team also developed new encryption and cryptology methods to further ensure confidentiality and integrity of operational data. Conventional encryption standards were also modified by the team to facilitate faster encryption rates without compromising system security. The team also designed and developed an IP-based encryption technology that halved the number of encryption devices required, while laying the foundations for future integration of more advanced radio technology at the same time.  

d. Reduced network planning and set-up time via automation

Operating the ABI requires a certain level of IT proficiency. To simplify the process, the team developed automated software for network set-up and management that allows soldiers to use the systems easily. For example, the Common Configuration Application software streamlines network planning processes for tactical combat radios and Battlefield Management Systems. Network settings are automatically configured for different missions and platforms. As a result, the manpower requirements for network set-up for a Brigade were reduced by more than 60%. Similarly, the Resource Configuration Manager software automates set-up processes for command post trunk communications systems, reducing training time to set-up the networks by more than 60%.
    
Profile of Team Lead

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