The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded BAE Systems a $24 million contract to develop software that autonomously configures tactical networks for communications.
The endeavor is under the Mission-Integrated Network Control (MINC) program. Data reliability and communications networks are vital in modern warfare.
“In today’s highly congested and contested environments, secure and adaptable multi-domain communications have never been more important,” BAE Systems FAST Labs Chief Scientist Brian Decleene said. “Recent research advances in networking, autonomy and mission planning offers a unique opportunity for real-time control of the tactical network based on the mission and evolving operating environment. As a result of this program, we’ll enable the operator to deliver the right information to the right user at the right time across multiple domains and improve mission outcome.”
Currently, there is no capability to control interconnected networks and ensure military personnel can communicate across domains in contested environments.
The MINC program is responsible for building and demonstrating an advanced capability in creating a secure communications network to support multi-domain operations, per authorities, adding the scope of the agreement calls for BAE Systems’ FAST Labs research and development personnel to develop algorithms and software anticipating, configuring and controlling resources optimizing information flow.