Interoperability A Continuing Challenge in Coalition Air Operations

by Hura, Myron; McLeod, Gary; Larson, Eric; Schneider, James; Gonzales, Daniel

• ISBN13: 9780833029126
• ISBN10: 0833029126
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-12-19
• Publisher: RAND Corporation

Summary

The United States is increasingly participating in coalition military operations. Coalition support may be required for successful military operations and in most such operations the United States desires to share the burden. U.S. allies recognize the increased security that coalition operations can bring. Because interoperability is a key element in coalitions, RAND undertook research to help the Air Force identify potential interoperability problems that may arise in coalition air operations and to suggest nonmaterial and technology-based solutions. The research focus is on command, control, communications, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C3ISR) systems in out-of-NATO-area operations.

Table of Contents

Preface	iii
Figures	ix
Tables	xi
Summary	xiii
Acknowledgments	xxiii
Acronyms	xxvii
Introduction	1	(6)
Study Objective and Scope	1	(1)
Background	2	(1)
Study Approach	3	(1)
Structure of the Report	4	(3)
A Broad Definition of Interoperability	7	(10)
Strategic Perspectives	8	(4)
Operational and Tactical Perspectives	12	(1)
Technological Perspective	13	(2)
Summary	15	(2)
Interoperability Challenges in Recent Coalition Operations	17	(6)
Interoperability Lessons Learned	17	(2)
Key Interoperability Challenges and Workarounds	19	(1)
Broader Lessons for Interoperability Planning	20	(3)
New Trends That May Affect Future Interoperability	23	(14)
The International Security Environment	23	(4)
Changes in NATO's Security Environment	24	(3)
New Missions for NATO	27	(1)
The Budgetary and Programmatic Environment	27	(2)
Tighter Defense Budgets	27	(1)
The Political and Economic Aspects of Defense Consolidation	28	(1)
Concurrent Development and Introduction of New NATO Capabilities	28	(1)
A Potentially Widening Gap in U.S.-NATO Capabilities	29	(5)
Precision Strike	32	(1)
Network-Centric Collaborative Force-Level and Unit-Level Operations	32	(1)
Dynamic Assessment, Planning, and Execution	33	(1)
Defence Capabilities Initiative	33	(1)
Case Studies	34	(3)
Command and Control	37	(18)
Strategic Level	39	(4)
Current Command Constructs	40	(2)
Evolving Command Constructs	42	(1)
Operational and Tactical Levels	43	(2)
Technological Level	45	(6)
Differing Objectives, Practices, and Procedures	46	(3)
Dynamic Planning	49	(1)
Common Operational Picture	50	(1)
Standards	50	(1)
Observations and Suggested Actions	51	(4)
Space Developments	55	(22)
The Broader Context for Space Cooperation	56	(1)
Motives and Methods for Space Cooperation	57	(4)
European Space Programs	61	(13)
French Space Program	62	(3)
Italian Space Program	65	(2)
WEU Satellite Centre	67	(3)
Galileo Program	70	(2)
European Space-Based Radar Programs	72	(2)
Observations and Suggested Actions	74	(3)
Air Surveillance and Control	77	(18)
Interoperability Challenges	80	(8)
Systems	80	(3)
Missions and Operations	83	(2)
Political Concerns	85	(1)
Training	85	(1)
Future Prospects	86	(2)
Mechanisms to Foster Interoperability	88	(2)
Cost Implications	90	(2)
Observations and Suggested Actions	92	(3)
Ground Surveillance and Control	95	(12)
AGS Requirements	98	(1)
AGS Concept Definition	99	(2)
Other Means to Ensure Interoperability	101	(3)
Observations and Suggested Actions	104	(3)
Tactical Data Links	107	(16)
Tadil, Jtids, and Link 16	108	(2)
Link 16 Terminology	110	(4)
Summary of MIDS Case Study	114	(9)
Why MIDS?	116	(1)
Observations	117	(2)
Suggested Actions	119	(4)
Fighters and Weapons	123	(18)
Cooperative Fighter Development	124	(3)
Allied Capabilities	127	(7)
Allied Air-Superiority Capabilities	127	(1)
Allied Precision Strike Capabilities	128	(5)
Allied SEAD Capabilities	133	(1)
U.S. Capabilities	134	(2)
Observations	136	(2)
Suggested Actions	138	(3)
Illustrative Military Value	141	(36)
Peacekeeping Operations	141	(3)
Force Protection	144	(6)
Against Conventional Aircraft	145	(2)
Against Cruise Missiles	147	(2)
Against Theater Ballistic Missiles	149	(1)
Interdiction During the Halt Phase of a Major Theater War	150	(24)
Engagement-Level Considerations	151	(7)
Mission-Level Analysis	158	(16)
Observations	174	(3)
Concluding Observations and Suggested Actions	177	(44)
Recent Operations	177	(2)
Case Studies	179	(1)
Suggested Actions	180	(3)
Collaborative Actions	180	(1)
Direct Actions	181	(2)
Appendix
A. Allies' Participation and Contributions in Recent Coalition Operations	183	(10)
B. New Operational Concepts from Joint Vision 2010	193	(2)
C. Mids Case Study	195	(18)
D. Notional Fighter Deployment	213	(8)
Bibliography	221