Squad X Experimentation in testing
The first test of DARPA's Squad X Experimentation programme has successfully demonstrated the ability to extend and enhance the situational awareness of small, dismounted units.
During tests at Twentynine Palms, California, personnel improved their ability to synchronise manoeuvres, employing autonomous air and ground vehicles to detect threats from multiple domains – physical, electromagnetic and cyber – providing critical intelligence as the squad moved through scenarios.
Squad X aims to provide army and marine dismounted units with autonomous systems equipped with off-the-shelf technologies and novel sensing tools developed via DARPA’s Squad X Core Technologies programme. The technologies aim to increase squads’ situational awareness and lethality, allowing enemy engagement more quickly and from longer ranges.
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control and CACI’s BIT Systems (BITS) are working on different approaches to provide new capabilities to enhance ground infantries. Manned-unmanned teaming is critical to both companies’ solutions.
Lockheed Martin’s Augmented Spectral Situational Awareness, and Unaided Localization for Transformative Squads system, provides UGVs with sensor systems to detect enemy locations, allowing troops to engage and target the enemy with a precision 40mm grenade before the enemy could detect their movement.
CACI’s BITS Electronic Attack Module is designed to detect, locate and attack specific threats in the radio frequency and cyber domains.
Experiment 2 is currently targeted for early 2019.
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Wave Relay devices cleared for security use on commercial systems in industry trend]()
Wave Relay devices cleared for security use on commercial systems in industry trend
Persistent Systems has been cleared by National Security Agency (NSA) to transmit sensitive data on commercial networks. The devices are added to the NSA’s Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) component list which also includes other companies’ products providing the same security.
-
![UK teases cyber spending boost in Strategic Defence Review ahead of “imminent” release]()
UK teases cyber spending boost in Strategic Defence Review ahead of “imminent” release
The release of the UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) has been long promised as mid-year. It is possible it could be as early as 2 June although the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) continues to play its cards close to its chest.
-
![Intelsat emphasises SATCOM resilience for SOF in contested domains (video)]()
Intelsat emphasises SATCOM resilience for SOF in contested domains (video)
Intelsat outlines how its multi-orbit SATCOM architecture is enhancing connectivity and resilience for special operations forces operating in degraded and contested environments.
-
![US Space Force’s next-generation missile warning system moves forward with $500 million in new contracts]()
US Space Force’s next-generation missile warning system moves forward with $500 million in new contracts
Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) satellites are intended to provide early warning of missile launches from any location worldwide and new ground stations will result in expanded coverage of critical missile warning.
-
![Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces]()
Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces
Airbus was awarded the Composante Spatiale Optique (CSO) contract at the end of 2010. This included an option for a third satellite, which was activated after Germany joined the programme in 2015.
-
![Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)]()
Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)
In today’s contested operational environment, adaptability is key. The new Geospatial-Intelligence as a Service (GEO IaaS) solution from Fujitsu and MAIAR empowers militaries by enabling intelligence advantage, combining advanced technology with human expertise to deliver actionable insights.
