Vannevar Labs’ Post

What is needed, therefore, is a concise list of no-fail missions to shape the minimum requirements for wartime networks — bounding the expansive long-term vision with explicit, measurable near-term goals. The following missions provide a starting point: first, protecting the United States from air and missile attack; second, defending and maintaining lines of communication and forward bases necessary for offensive operations; and finally, conducting long-range strike operations to disrupt the enemy’s ability to achieve its strategic objectives while the United States and its allies mobilize their full offensive power. These missions are critical when considering the Department of Defense’s “pacing scenario” of Chinese aggression against Taiwan and reinforce what should be clear Pentagon priorities to gain the upper hand in a potential war with China.

Colleagues, this article presents a constructive criticism of ambitious but vague warfighting concepts, the strategic perils of those concepts, and prescriptions for more incisive thinking (and doing) in the military strategic arena. It’s well worth your time to read. Hats off to the authors!

Navigating the Future of Warfare: The Strategic Shift Towards Mobile Artillery Systems Recent insights from the Global Artillery Systems Market Forecast underscore the pivotal shift in military strategy and procurement, influenced by the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. As static defense units become increasingly vulnerable to attacks, the demand for mobile artillery, such as self-propelled guns and MLRS, is experiencing substantial growth. Countries across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific are significantly investing in these mobile platforms, enhancing their quick-strike capabilities and operational flexibility. This shift is not just about enhancing firepower but adapting to the lessons learned on modern battlefields where mobility equates to survivability and effectiveness. Such advancements are crucial as they dictate the pace and nature of future conflicts, where high mobility and versatile engagement strategies will be key. The projected market growth to $16.1bn by 2033 reflects not only increased demand but also the strategic imperatives that modern militaries face today. As nations continue to modernize their arsenals, the strategic implications are profound. Mobile artillery systems allow for rapid deployment and repositioning, which is crucial in countering the evolving threats at international borders and conflict zones. Defense sectors must adapt to these changes, emphasizing innovation and agility in production and deployment strategies. Enhanced mobility in artillery systems offers strategic and tactical flexibility, and the focus on self-propelled and MLRS platforms is likely to reshape military engagements. The implications of this strategic pivot have far-reaching consequences for global defense manufacturers and nations' defense policies, potentially leading to a new era in how conflicts are conducted and managed. #DefenseIndustry #MilitaryTechnology #Artillery #GlobalSecurity #FutureWarfare #StrategicDefense

Recent global conflicts have provided crucial lessons for military leaders on the growing importance of #ElectronicWarfare. As #technology advances, the battlefield has become increasingly digital, and gaining superiority in the #electromagnetic spectrum is critical. In this video, experts discuss how experiences from Ukraine, Syria, and other theaters have highlighted the need for more robust #EW capabilities to counter adversary communications, radar, and GPS systems. Jamming, spoofing, and other #EW tactics can degrade an opponent's ability to operate effectively. The future of warfare will require militaries to invest heavily in #EW systems, both for offense and defense. This includes advancements in areas like directed energy weapons, AI-enabled electronic attack, and hardened communications networks. Staying ahead of the curve on #ElectronicWarfare will be a key strategic priority for global powers in the years ahead. Adapting to these lessons from real-world conflicts will be essential for maintaining a decisive military edge. #DefenseInnovation #TechInWar #DigitalBattlespace #FutureForce

Redefining Warfare: Navigating the Complex Terrain of Multi-Domain Operations The article from War on the Rocks discusses the concept of multi-domain operations (MDO), highlighting its promise and challenges. It reflects on a year-long investigation into MDO's implementation within NATO and partner countries, questioning whether MDO can effectively contribute to winning wars. Key themes include the optimistic yet uncoordinated nature of new military concepts, the need for clear theories of success, and the gap between technological aspirations and battlefield realities. The article concludes with skepticism about MDO's current trajectory, offering recommendations for improvement by focusing on practical applications, clear adversary strategies, and technological readiness. In an in-depth analysis, experts question the efficacy of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO), a concept at the forefront of modern military strategy. Despite its widespread adoption, challenges in coordination, technological maturity, and clear success theories persist. The piece urges a shift towards actionable strategies, emphasizing real-world application over theoretical models. A call to arms for military leaders to refine MDO's approach, ensuring it's more than just a promising concept but a tangible asset in warfare. https://lnkd.in/esn4qi4U #MilitaryInnovation #MultiDomainOperations #DefenseStrategy #MilitaryLeadership #NATO #bss #hcss #warontherocks #bss

"Does the Marine Corps still need to be ready for a variety of worldwide missions? Is the Marine Corps still required to be, "most ready when the nation is least ready?" In 2019 the Marine Corps embarked on an experiment to move away from its traditional readiness for a variety of worldwide missions and, instead, began to focus on a single, regional, defensive mission. Two pillars of the misguided experiment were, 1) the decades of fighting in Middle East were over, and 2) conventional ground combat was being replaced by long distance missiles and cyber warfare. Yet, in only a few short years, those two pillars have crumbled."

The future of warfare is increasingly collaborative, not just between humans but between humans and machines. Human-machine teaming (HMT) enhances the effectiveness of military operations by combining human intuition with machine precision. At National Defense Lab, we are researching how this synergy can be optimized for various defense applications, from surveillance to tactical decision-making. #HumanMachineTeaming #ModernWarfare #DefenseInnovation #NationalDefenseLab

The role of today’s armed forces involves full-spectrum warfare across multiple domains.   They must identify multiple enemy threats by detecting and understanding complex Low Probability of Intercept / Low Probability of Detection signals.   To achieve this, EW operators must employ highly technical passive surveillance of the electromagnetic spectrum to gather data.   Rapidly deployable tactical mobile systems can be networked to detect, record, analyze, and geolocate signals of interest.   Read the full article in Military Systems & Technology Magazine (pp 108–109) 👇 #SpectrumMonitoring #SituationalAwareness #MilitaryInnovation #CRFS

"Air base defense is doctrinally an Army job." Not going to lie, that statement gave me pause, given our 'joint' construct--and especially in the context of a recent Mitchell institute paper on how USAF air bases should prepare to fight a potential fight in the Pacific. Someone needs to be doing it! Makes Admiral Paparo's recent USNI article on indispensable aircraft carriers all the more on point. "Carrier strike groups (CSGs) work continually to enhance their defenses and operational tactics to counter emerging threats, while adversaries seek new methods to challenge this dominance. Though the specifics are classified, methods for CSGs to project power and protect themselves include countertargeting, exoatmospheric ballistic-missile defense, and medium- and short-range air and missile defense. Through the combination of countertargeting, mobility, deception, electronic warfare, directed energy, and kinetic kill, a layered approach can provide defense-in-depth against and across enemy kill chains." https://lnkd.in/gqVNP9nw

For nearly three decades, Israel has pursued a strategy of “small and smart” in its military, leveraging advanced technologies to enhance operational capabilities while reducing the size of its armed forces. This approach has yielded innovations like the Iron Dome and advanced surveillance systems, transforming defense capabilities on a global scale. However, the October 7 massacres and ensuing war have taught Israel a painful but crucial lesson: while technological advancements are indispensable, they must complement, not replace, traditional military strength. The experiences in dealing with threats like Hamas and Hezbollah highlight that even the most sophisticated systems can be overwhelmed by sheer numbers and unconventional tactics. Despite sophisticated surveillance technologies, the inability to interpret and act on intelligence effectively led to tragic failure. The events of October 7 emphasize the need for a balanced approach where human expertise and strategic foresight complement technological prowess. As seasoned Israeli infantry soldier Ari Kalker puts it, advanced technologies enhance performance but do not negate the need for fundamental military strengths. As an example, he recommends that despite Israel’s impressive tech capabilities, investments in infantry, tank, and artillery capabilities should be bolstered, as they form the backbone of an effective defense strategy. In the context of the United States, this lesson resonates deeply. Asymmetric warfare (especially in the Middle East) demands adaptability and flexibility in tactics, strategies, and operational approaches. While technological capabilities provide advantages in some areas, insurgents often adapt quickly to exploit vulnerabilities and gaps in U.S. technological systems. When it comes to confronting asymmetric threats in the Middle East, technology adds performance, but it does not eliminate the need for core military capabilities or human acumen. Check out Ari’s eye-opening article in the Times of Israel here: https://buff.ly/4bEFahy