Network C3I Technology

PE 0602146A: Network C3I Technology is a key Army Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) program element focused on advancing the tactical network and enabling infrastructure for Multi-Domain Operations (MDO). The overarching goal is to ensure robust, mobile, and survivable mission command capabilities, assured positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT), and resilient communications in contested, congested, degraded, or denied environments. The program leverages commercial technologies, aligns with Army Modernization Priorities, and supports the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering's focus areas. Research is conducted by agencies including Army Futures Command, C5ISR Center, Army Research Laboratory, and the Engineer Research and Development Center.

AM6: Modular RF Communications Technology aims to develop automation and intelligence techniques for optimal data broadcasting across available radio frequency (RF) and networking technologies. The project's objectives include enhancing network resiliency through diversity and automated decision-making, such as predictive algorithms for network topology in Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2AD) environments. Efforts focus on refining algorithm performance and investigating solutions for Automated Primary, Alternate, Contingency, and Emergency (PACE) network configurations. These efforts support secure communications under dynamic operational conditions.

AM8: Protected SATCOM Technology is dedicated to improving the resiliency of Wideband Satellite Communications (SATCOM) in contested electromagnetic environments. The program develops interference cancellation technologies and multi-orbit modem components to enable operation over multiple satellite constellations, increasing availability and reliability for Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communications. Research includes virtualization of waveforms and integration of emerging technologies like Digital Intermediate Frequency Interoperability (DIFI). The goal is to enhance redundancy and performance in spectrum-challenged scenarios.

AN3: Non-Traditional Waveforms Technology investigates protocols and technologies for spectrally efficient, high bandwidth, low latency, and anti-jam tactical communications. Key objectives include leveraging commercial services for mobile, high-bandwidth communications and developing obfuscation techniques to counter adversary geolocation. The project also matures quantum-enhanced spectral receivers for wideband sensing and explores extremely high bandwidth communications (ExHiBComm) using Free Space Optics (FSO) and software-defined antenna systems for multi-band operations. These efforts address spectrum scarcity and enable resilient links in complex environments.

AN9: UNT - Every Receiver is a Sensor Technology focuses on algorithms that allow every tactical receiver to function as a sensor, expanding Cyber-Electromagnetic Activity (CEMA) situational understanding. The project develops resource management approaches for simultaneous functionality in resource-constrained environments and advances Army signals intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities for SWaP-constrained tactical edge operations. Efforts include optimizing RF resources for simultaneous EW, SIGINT, and cyber missions, developing machine learning tools for RF signal detection, and improving radar processing for automated threat identification.

AV9: Advanced PNT for GPS Independent Environments Technology is designed to enable precise and assured PNT in GPS-denied environments, supporting Soldier missions for extended durations. Research areas include quantum timing circuits, advanced inertial measurement units (IMUs), multi-sensor fusion, and jam-resistant timing signal transmission via optical and RF methods. The project aims to reduce SWaP-C constraints and develop distributed, collaborative architectures for resilient navigation and timing synchronization across platforms and payloads.

CU6: Adaptive Information Mediation and Analytics develops techniques for accelerated decision-making at lower echelons, focusing on multi-modal distributed analytics and adaptive information mediation. Objectives include enabling shared situational awareness through cross-reality information interaction and robust AI/ML approaches for situational awareness in compromised environments. The project also develops foundation models for multimodal battlefield phenomena, investigates predictive analytics for event detection, and advances tactical information synthesis for cross-echelon command and control. Secure reinforcement learning agents are also explored for resilient C2 operations.