A NNEC-compliant approach for a Future Mission Network

Abstract

The NATO Network-Enabled Capabilities concept (NNEC) enables NATO to maximize the sharing of information and services in a wide variety of missions, characterized by a a-priori uncertainty about the mission service requirements, partner composition and command and control structures. NNEC guidance and principles are well documented in the NNEC framework and the NNEC Body of Knowledge (BoK). Experience and lessons learnt from mission support in Afghanistan's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and Libya (Operation Unified Protector OUP) have shown that deploying NNEC capabilities from scratch is complex and time consuming. Therefore, NATO and the Nations have decided to formalize the implementation of NNEC into a flexible, tailor-able and scalable capability known as the Future Mission Network (FMN). The FMN seeks to implement a NNEC-aligned set of network, systems and services, along with the necessary doctrine and processes, to facilitate federation of mission information and supporting capabilities in future operations. This paper will introduce the NATO NNEC framework and Body of Knowledge, its persistent requirements and the associated NNEC operational and technical achievements. Then, the NATO requirements for a Future Mission Network (FMN) are derived, taking into account experience from recent operations and also the NATO transformational vision and political guidance. Finally, the NNEC compliant approach for a NATO Future Mission Network is described, along with the high-level material and non-material solutions to facilitate information sharing in federated environments.