Network-Centric Warfare

What is Network Centric Warfare (NCW)?

NCW is a systemic approach to warfare that links engagement, sensor and command and control systems via a network to facilitate enhanced situational awareness, collaboration and offensive potential.

The networked force relies on secure and responsive linkages (network connectivity) that allow the right information to be accessed at the right time by the right force elements. The increases in combat power arising from networking are derived from the quality and timeliness of shared information, and through the exploitation of new system and command elements relationships.

DSTO’s Research on NCW

DSTO research is coordinated by a NCW Steering Group that was formed in early 2003. The Steering Group has since produced a number of reports and analyses through cross-divisional bodies known as Tiger Teams.

The DSTO research effort spans a number of different study domains across many of its Divisions.

PHYSICAL DOMAIN

Includes the sensors, the physical communications network, weapon and engagement systems.

• Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Division (ISRD) – future sensors and integrating ISR architectures
• Information Network Division (IND) – technologies for communicating in the battlespace and protection of the infrastructure
• Weapons Systems Division (WSD) – integrating future weapon systems into the Command and Control (C2) & Engagement Grid
• Electronic Warfare and Radar Division (EWRD) – development of EW sub-systems and Force Level EW capability

INFORMATION DOMAIN

Includes decision support, data and information management.

• C2D – decision support for Joint C2
• Air Operations Division (AOD), Land Operations Division (LOD), Maritime Operations Division (MOD) – single Service System of System (SoS) Information issues

COGNITIVE DOMAIN

Includes Decision Making, Situation Awareness and Command issues.

• C2D – human interaction with Joint C2 systems
• AOD, LOD, MOD – human interaction with single Service SoS C2 systems

SOCIAL DOMAIN

Includes cultural and organisational issues of future warfare.

• Defence Systems Analysis Division (DSAD) & C2D – cultural and organisational factors for future warfare

CROSS CUTTING DOMAIN

Includes SoS integration issues, acquisition of NCW capability, and development of suitable analytical environments.

• DSAD – architectural approaches suitable for force level analysis and acquisition
• AOD, LOD, MOD – single Service SoS integration issues Further information: