Indian Defence Review

The spectre of obsolescence and rapidly changing technology, especially the advent of unmanned vehicles will drive the future trends of NCS. Open Architecture and Cyber Security will take centre stage. Aspects of inter-operability, commercially viable substitutes and budgetary constraints will also play a significant role. All in all interesting times are ahead in the continuing development of Naval Combat Systems; we may see smart phones, in the not so distant future being used in Combat Operations Management.

Naval warfare has always been and will be unique and distinct from the other two viz land and air. This is simply because of the medium in which it is conducted and also has the necessity and ability to influence the warfare in the other two dimensions. The weapons platform in the maritime domain experiences far more dynamic conditions as compared to the other two mediums which make the resolution of the problems in effective delivery of the ordnance much more complex. This is just stating the obvious. The solutions call for intricate and complex mathematical and trigonometric applications. Before the advent of computer science and electronics, the mariner relied on pre-computed tables giving solutions.

The problem gets even more compounded in the undersea dimension where submarines operate. The two dimensional approach changes to a three dimensional one with attendant complexities of axis stabilisation.

In essence, the problem is of delivering the ordnance on the target whether stationary or mobile, with accuracy using available inputs. This implies solving the basic problems by Inputs (Surveillance) – Processing (Computation of Data & Weapon) – Delivery (Weapon System). Let us dwell on this:

•  Surveillance. This is the starting step for any action towards neutralisation of threat. This process could be by way of visual means, radar, sonar, satellites, drones, Electronic Support Measures (ESM) and communication (direction finding). The objective is to detect the threat and transmit the data of target coordinates to the processing system.

•  Processing Systems. The data on target coordinates and its motion needs to be processed to assess the value of threat and choosing a weapon system to neutralise it. This could be by mathematical tables, by stand-alone computer systems analogous/digital to work out the solution for delivering the ordnance from the chosen weapon system.

•  Delivery. This comprises the weapon delivery system be it a gun, torpedo, missile or decoy to engage the threat. A system could be a decentralised fire control system controlling only its integral ordnance delivery mechanism or it could be a part of an integrated combat system managing the ordnance delivery of a number of systems constituting the combat system.

•  The sequence of events in the above three is surveillance, detection, classification, identification, tracking, indication (to the processing system), processing the solution, direction (to the FCS/Director), refining the solution and engagement. Usually this could be a closed or open architecture depending on the sophistication of the technology.

Simple as this may appear, it is a complex process depending on the nature of surveillance, sensors, nature of target, processing hardware, weapons system and delivery mechanisms and target parameters. Consequently, the Naval Fire Control Systems have evolved over a period of time in consonance with the sophistication of the technological environment. Accordingly, this paper attempts to portray the evolution of Naval Combat Systems and is restricted to general principles and concepts without detailing specific systems, as those by themselves constitute separate studies.

Historical Background

In pre- and post- WW II, the design philosophy of warships was mainly centered on countering a perceived threat with a weapons system and building the platform around that system. It was for this reason, that we had specialised platforms such as Air Defence (AD) Frigates, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Frigates and Anti-Surface (ASU) Warfare Ships. For example, there were Whitby Class Frigates which were ASW Frigates, Leopard Class Frigates, which were Air Defence Frigates, Blackwood Class Frigates which were purely ASW Frigates. The template of the Royal Navy is being used here, as during those times, it was the most powerful and evolved maritime force. Even in smaller Corvettes, this philosophy was followed.

Fire Control Systems (FCS)

Consequently, the primary weapon systems were meant for those functions and these systems were mainly stand alone and decentralised ones on the ship, having their own dedicated Fire Control Systems. This arrangement allowed for greater focus and accuracy of such fire control systems to counter the threat against which they were designed. Surface warfare ships were heavier, such as the colony class cruisers with heavier six inch guns and some air defence capability in four inch guns. These ships had virtually no ASW capability. These systems were more reliant on electronic valve-based analogous systems and magnetic amplifiers, which were bulky and occupied large volumes of space on the ship. Although such arrangement provided for a more focused and efficient way to counter a threat, it was an expensive one and led to multiplicity of platforms in the composition of a maritime force.

Electronic Revolution: Developments Post WW II

The onset of the electronic revolution and consequently, miniaturisation brought in a phase of immense change in not only the design of warships but also for sensors, information processing and weapon systems. The energy requirements for operation of such systems saw a sharp drop, the capacity and volume of information management saw a quantum leap, which permitted multiple weapon systems to be accommodated on a single platform, thereby giving rise to general purpose ships. It became possible to design ships with multiple capabilities wherein all major capabilities such as ASU, ASW, AD (indeed – AAW- Anti Air Warfare) could be incorporated on a single platform. Leander Class Frigates was such a design in the Royal Navy, Spruance class followed by the Arleigh Burke in the US Navy and Kashin Class in the Russian Navy. These were multi mission capable ships.

Onset of Anti-ship and Anti-Air Ship launched missiles.

The arrival of ship-launched, anti-ship cruise missiles and anti-aircraft missiles added a totally new dimensional capability to ship designs, integral to which is the evolution of Naval Combat Systems.

Appearance of Ship-Borne Helicopter

Another significant development post- WW II was the appearance of ship-borne helicopters. These added an entirely new horizon to ship design and extended the capability against threats, especially in anti-submarine warfare. An ASW Helicopter with its dunking sonar and anti-submarines torpedo/depth charge delivery capability gave an extended reach to a ship against a submarine.

Multi-Function Radars and Consoles

In similar fashion, multi-function radars with track-while-scan capabilities, phased array antennae also opened up newer vistas in a platform’s surveillance capability. Finally, advances in information processing capability in the form of first/second generation computers linked to multi-function consoles enabled processing of the information in quick time in order to counter, air, submarine and surface warfare threats, against which reaction time had been shortened considerably.

Computer Aided Action Information Systems.

The first step to a modern Naval Combat System was the concept of Computer Aided Action Information System (CAAIS). However, even at this stage, a CAAIS was a centralised fire control system and not a modern Naval Combat System. The CAAIS was still a central processor of information given from the sensors such as radars, sonars, ESM systems and work out the motion parameters of the threat and generate the coordinates to be fed to the concerned FCS/weapons system to effectively liquidate that threat. Working regimes to manage the combat readiness such as Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence (C3I) systems which had been in force gave rise to a new regime C⁴I in which in addition to the existing Cs, the fourth signified Computers, came into vogue. The collection and processing of the entire spectrum of the information from sensors could be managed with greater accuracy, speed and integrity in order to direct the weapon systems to execute assigned tasks.

In this initial stage, the system was connected to the analogous FCS, integral to each weapon delivery system. However, with the digital revolution in Information Technology, the CAAIS could be integrated seamlessly with digitised weapon systems.

Data Links

With multi-mission helicopters integral to ships, operating at extended ranges from their mother ships, requirement of transfer of information, led to the development of data links which in real time enabled the picture available on the concerned sensor to the mothership or vice versa, permitting optimum deployment of weapons in the ultimate objective of destruction of the threat. The data link would also be used to share information between constituent ships of a formation to synergise the resources available both in respect of sensors and ordnance. This became the precursor to network-centric warfare which will be discussed later in this paper.

Developments in Submarine Warfare

In parallel to the developments herein enumerated, great strides were being made in enhancing the potency of the submarine, which till the end of WW II, was more of a submersible, capable of diving for a short period whilst spending most of the time on the surface. It was the developments Post WW II that the submarine has come of its own as the most potent offensive platform both in the conventional and the atomic applications. The modern stealth submarine has made the task of its detection extremely difficult, which has a bearing on the development of the Naval Combat Systems that have to be arraigned against it. At the same time, the development of submarine-launched weapons including long range tele-guided smart torpedoes and missiles fired at stand-off ranges, also contributes to the evolution of combat systems in the overall maritime framework of such systems.

From CAAIS to Combat Systems

Whereas CAAIS architecture used a central processing unit to collate, process the data from the peripherals (mainly the data links & surveillance sensors) and transmitted the final parameters to the Directors/FCS (including analogous) of the designated weapon system to neutralise the threat, the Naval Combat System, with the onset of digitisation and digital processing, evolved to encompass the entire chain in its ambit. A modern NCS includes sensors, radars, sonars data links, the closed/open architecture of the central processor and the array of weapon systems, almost all digitised, as one comprehensive unit. It also includes the inputs from ships navigation and motion systems including essential parameters from the Platform Management Systems (PMS) required to achieve stabilisation of the axis relevant to the solution of the problem to effect quick, accurate and efficient delivery of the ordnance be it torpedoes, guns, missiles, passive/active counter-measures, decoys and ASW rockets.

The Modern NCS

The modern NCS encompasses the entire gamut of equipment in its ambit from sensors (radars, sonars, ESM, visual, laser range finders, infra-red and thermal imaging), data links, fibre-optic links, interface equipment and black boxes, central processors and servers, data bank and libraries, multi-function consoles to weapon control and delivery systems.

The digitisation of the data in the entire chain of events from the surveillance stage to the engagement of the target has enabled a centralised architecture, obviating the need to have a separate FCS/Directors for each weapon system, except in anti-missile missile systems using wave-riding techniques for their guidance. This architecture permits the optimisation of the systems consequently leading to economy of scales, not to forget standardisation.

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Fast Decision Making

As a consequence of the sophistication of the incoming threats, fast decision making in real time is the most important aspect in countering threat. Human intervention is no longer capable of coping with the mass of information flow and the modern NCS enables this to be achieved with least human intervention. The only aspect where human intervention is still present is in command and sequencing functions. Typical examples of modern NCS are Aegis, (USN), ATHENA (Europe, North Africa and Middle East), SUBTICS (France-on board submarines) and SAAB NCS.

Network Centric Warfare

With the rapid advances in Information Technology (IT), logical follow up evolution of the combat systems evolution is the Network Centric Warfare (NCW). This concept emerged at the turn of the century and is transforming the conduct of warfare; in particular of the maritime dimension by linking together ships, aircraft, submarines and shore operations control facilities into a highly integrated computer/telecommunications networks. Such networking can lead to the following advantages:

• Real-time intelligence and information sharing.
• Synergising the resources of each integrated unit in the management of combat functions and operations of the network units.
• Precision and accuracy of operations.
• Disruption and degrading of the adversary’s strategy by bearing upon him the weight of the combined units instead of stand-alone platforms. This is also known as Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC).
• Enhance the radius of the theatre of operations.

Cyber Security and Warfare

NCW is still a work-in-progress although many of the major navies have already incorporated it in their plans for 21st century operations. However, there are aspects which need critical attention and refinement, primary among them is cyber security. In stand-alone platforms, data links to their integral units were still a safe bet and difficult to interfere with, unless one interposes in their Line Of Sight (LOS) communications. However, in an NCW environment, electronic and cyber-attacks are a real possibility which need to be taken care of. At the same time, one’s own NCW Systems should be able to degrade the adversary’s capabilities using cyber warfare. This aspect calls for an entirely new discipline and the requirement of highly trained personnel in cyber warfare. The beauty is that this art can be practiced 24/7 throughout the year. The NCW will have an impact on:

• Tactics, doctrine and organization.
• Overall fleet design and composition.
• Interoperability.
• Information Security (CRS Report for Congress June 2001).

Future Perspectives

Advent of Unmanned Vehicles

The development and deployment of unmanned surveillance and combat vehicles is significant as it will have a transformational effect on Naval Combat Systems. We already have surveillance drones operating, as also offensive drones as part of war on terror. Underwater unmanned vehicles are already available for mine sweeping operations and in the same sphere, such vehicles are under advanced stages of development for harbour defence and efforts are also underway to use them from ship-borne platforms for submarine detection. Unmanned ships are almost on the horizon, DNV – GL is seriously working on autonomous ships. Parallel research and efforts are also being carried out in the maritime warfare sphere. The operationalisation of such vehicles will bring in revolutionary changes in the conduct of maritime operations.

Cloud Computing or Virtualisation of Data

Whilst the digitisation has eased the solutions in combat operations, there is a case to find venues for storage of data, which keeps increasing in volume by the hour. Relatively, the processing speeds slow down. In addition, the rising costs of specific equipment, draws on the limited resources from other projects. Consequently, interest is being evinced in finding venues for storage of data, as if in a bank, to be drawn upon at the time of need. Cloud computing or virtualisation of legacy data are the options.

•  Cloud Computing: Cloud computing has been defined as the practice of using network of remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage and process data, rather than on a local server. More specifically, the US National Institute of Standard and Technology (NIST) defines it as “a model for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resource e.g. networks, storage, servers, applications and services that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interactions.” (Mell & Grance, 2009 P 1)

•  Virtualisation: This on the other hand, is an abstraction of computer resources to allow a single physical resource such as a server, an operating system, an application or a storage device appear to function as a multiple logical resources, designed to deliver on demand, data to specific users. This is somewhat analogous to the internet and the World Wide Web, where the web comprises a subset of all services available to users via the internet. This provision gives the advantage on ship-borne environments in that it reduces the physical foot prints of the combat system’s architecture as also optimises the need for large computers, thereby reducing heat and noise signatures. It also reduces the load on energy requirements for cooling.

A thesis study was undertaken to examine this proposition in its application on the AEGIS Combat System, at the Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey, California, authored by Eric S Roberts in September 2011. The paper looked at all aspects some of which included life-cycle costs, shelf life and obsolescence and related industry support over long periods of service life, (Gap in shelf life of equipment and production lines), availability of trained, in-house manpower for technical support and maintenance, advantages of reduced footprint of proprietary equipment and concluded that employment of open architecture technology and maximising the use of shared resources through virtualisation was a viable option. Work on this avenue is continuing and holds promise for the future trends of Naval Combat Systems.

Trends and Analysis

The market and the need for Naval Combat Systems is alive as host navies seek to modernise and upgrade their existing systems to keep pace with fast-changing technology in keeping with the evolving threat spectrum. Defence IQ had undertaken a survey in first half of 2016 to assess the factors that would impinge on the continuing evolution of NCS, in a potentially game-changing technology environment including the use of Commercially Off The Shelf (COTS) equipment and components to secure long term solutions in this field. The survey was undertaken across, users, commercial industry, government organisations, academia and the media. The survey has identified significant challenges for modernisation for NCS.

•  Obsolescence: The militaries rated obsolescence (44 per cent), academia rated budgetary limitations (74 per cent) whereas the industry considered lack of direction from users and Government (36 per cent) and issues of inter-operability (40 per cent) as the most significant challenges.

•  Game Changing Technologies: The industry saw unmanned underwater vehicles (63 per cent), whereas the military (users) saw interoperability and open architecture systems as most potentially game changing technologies. The Academia (48 per cent) thought Directed Energy Weapons would fit this bill.

•  Prioritisation of Elements of Combat Systems: The Academia (65 per cent) rated surveillance Systems, whereas the Industry considered Combat Management Systems (42 per cent) and Weapons and Missile Control Systems (34 per cent) would hold sway, the Military however, rated Cyber security (64 per cent) in its priority list. Electronic Warfare also rated high at 48 per cent.

•  Interoperability: Majority (59 per cent) of the respondents across the spectrum, thought that inter-operability would play an important part in the future NCS. However, most felt that it would be majorly in place only in the next two decades.

•  COTS: Opinion was divided on the use of Commercially Off The Shelf (COTS) equipment and hardware as an economical and accessible solution. Aspects of associated risks on mil-specs vis-a-vis commercial specs precluded a decisive verdict.

Conclusion

The evolution of Naval Combat Systems has had a chequered history with more successes on the board. Their evolution has responded to the evolving nature of maritime combat operations. Technological, electronics and information technology revolutions have shaped their growth and evolution. The ever-changing nature of threats in terms more sophisticated and smart weapons too have played a significant part in shaping the configurations of Naval Combat Systems.

The spectre of obsolescence and rapidly changing technology, especially the advent of unmanned vehicles, will drive the future trends of NCS. Open Architecture and Cyber Security will take centre stage. Aspects of inter-operability, commercially viable substitutes and budgetary constraints will also play a significant role. All in all interesting times are ahead in the continuing development of Naval Combat Systems; we may see smart phones, in not so distant future, being used in Combat Operations Management.