C2ISR and Family of Systems Discussion Group

September 21, 2020

Enabling Multi-Domain Operations

The Family of Systems concept continues to inform pan-NATO thinking on next-generation C2ISR. Expressed through NATO's AFSC Programme and USAF's ABMS Programme, it offers a framework for delivering a networked set of capabilities that can achieve decisive C2 for the multi-domain battlespace.

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A half-day session scheduled to permit US and European participation and featuring spotlight presentations from defence and industry, the C2ISR FOS Webinar will address three principal challenges via three interactive panel discussions. The first challenge is one of definitions. The integration inherent in Family of Systems will only be attainable if partners and services across NATO can agree on a unified concept both for FOS itself and the associated concept of "multi-domain". Shaping those definitions is the joint responsibility of defence and its partners in industry.

Second will be a discussion on autonomy within the OODA loop. The technologies equipped to enable a FOS approach have the potential to accelerate decision-making and significantly ease the cognitive burden on the warfighter, but only if forces can agree on an acceptable threshold for autonomy and overcome reservations that are as ethical as they are technical.

Finally, and most importantly, delivering FoS in practice will require a transformative approach to acquisition. Rapidly-evolving and software-based technologies - critical to FoS and multi-domain C2ISR - do not sit well with conventional approaches to requirements setting and procurement. In that context, this webinar will provide a good opportunity for industry to influence an agile and iterative approach to fielding future capability.

We are delighted to welcome you to the latest addition to our market-leading C2ISR portfolio. We look forward to seeing you online in September.

Key Disussion Topics will include:

Enabling multi-domain/joint all-domain command and control in an operational context
Setting the foundations for a distributed command structure
Next-generation sensors and systems
Introducing autonomy into the OODA loop
Enhancing service-level integration and driving organisational transformation to accommodate cross-domain thinking
Refining and replicating a "DevOps" approach to acquisition
Increasing tolerance to risk to accelerate the integration of new technology

Session Moderated By:

Matt Roper is Chief of Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance at the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency).

A retired senior RAF officer, Mr Roper has some 30 years' experience across a wide range of joint national and NATO operational roles, directly responsible for C2 and ISR missions. He was formerly SACEURs representative for strategic air operations - specifically NATO's C2ISR capabilities and their employment - and has over 5,000 flying hours in the UK, USAF and NATO AWACS. He was also the Allied Command Operations' representative for the NATO AWACS Force and the NATO AGS Programme.

In his capacity as Chief of JISR at the NCIA, Mr Roper directs a wide range of key projects and programmes supporting NATO and the nations in delivering coherent joint ISR for the Alliance and comprehensive services across the full lifecycle for many critical JISR systems. These include:

Strategy, Policy, Doctrine and Concepts
Standardization & Interoperability
Requirements Analysis and Concept Development and Experimentation (CD&E)
Design & Development
Processes, Procedures, Tactics & Techniques
System Acquisition, Implementation and Integration
Transition and Service Operations (O&M)

Mr Roper has a first class honours degree in Biomechanics, a MA in International Defence Policy and a MBA from London University. He is a distinguished graduate of both the UK's Joint Command & Staff College and the NATO Defence College. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute and a Member of both the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Institute of Directors.

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Meet the Speakers

Session Moderator

Mr Matt Roper, Chief, Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance,, NATO Communications and Information Agency

Panelists

Matthew Gillis, Acting Head ISR, Land and Maritime Section, NATO Defence Investment Division
Dr Cagatay Soyer, Alliance Future Surveillance & Control Project Manager, NATO Support and Procurement Agency
Jacob Johnson, Director, JADO Programs, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Skunk Works
Group Captain Neale Dewar, Operations Branch Head, Cyberspace Operations Centre, NATO SHAPE
Colonel Jonathan Zall, Requirements Division, HQ NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force
Edward Hunter Christie, Deputy Head, Innovation Unit, Emerging Security Challenges Division, NATO HQ
Rich Laing, Senior Scientist, Joint Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance, NCIA
Colonel Bert Shell, Director, JADC2 Technical Division, Joint Modernization Command, US Army Futures Command
Captain Lars Schuemann, Branch Chief Concept Development, Concept & Capability Directorate, EUMS
Chris Middleton, Innovation Scout, jHub
Jeff Braxton, Strategic Leadership Fellow, Space Policy Formulation and Strategy Development, USSTRATCOM