Given the evolution of threats on the battlefield (e.g., high intensity multi-domain warfare, technological dissemination, multiplication of unmanned aircraft systems), which make the environment ever more challenging, complex and contested, collaborative warfare is meant to gain and maintain superiority over the enemy thanks to combat systems and networking. In particular, the elaboration of shared tactical picture, as well as closely coordinated actions at tactical level (up to Corps level or multinational formation), should impose a fast operational tempo on the adversary and enable to understand, decide and act quicker than the enemy.

The objectives of this call topic on Land Collaborative Combat (LCC) including air-land are:

• To bring existing collaborative functions to a higher level of maturity (TRL>7) and improve operational performance.
• To develop new collaborative capabilities, through additional studies, prototyping and demonstrations in the operational environment (TRL 7). These capabilities must encompass:
  • Collaborative force protection including responsive actions.
  • Collaborative Threat Evaluation and Weapon Assignment (TEWA).
  • Collaborative engagement.
  • Land-based engagement and firing in a multi-domain warfare.
  • Additionally, these capabilities should encompass:
    • Unmanned systems supervision and coordination including Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T).
    • Joint Logistics including materiel, transport, and in-theatre tactical movements of forces.
    • Dismounted soldiers.

To enhance the connectivity and interaction of collaborating platforms from different nations hosting the required technical functions, especially by means of:

• Adaptive concurrent use of robust, hybrid communication systems, e.g. radios in conjunction with 5G and satellite (multipath) considering LPD/LPI.
• Collaborative dynamic service orchestration.
• Automated supervision throughout the global collaborative framework.
• Mission planning supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).
• Cybersecurity detection and prevention functions.
• Accurate positioning in a contested or denied environment.
• Field demonstrations should provide proof-of-concept based on relevant operational use cases / scenarios and on multiple relevant national and multinational platforms joining in the land collaborative combat framework, which would result in at least a validated system prototype.

This call topic contributes to the STEP objectives, as defined in STEP Regulation, in the target investment area of deep and digital technologies.

The proposals must address the development and demonstration of innovative multi-national collaborative land combat functional capabilities enhancing military land systems currently in use or under development in different EU Member States and EDF Associated Countries. The relevant collaborative scenario, in which the proposed solutions must perform and prove the suggested enhancements, should include all levels of operation from dismounted soldier up to command post. Here, secure information sharing between every entity on the battlefield through a robust, flexible, and secure communication framework should be ensured. Furthermore, these solutions should cover the joint military functions in the land environment: C2, Intelligence, Manoeuvre, Fires, Information, Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC), Sustainment and Force Protection.