The technological challenges of maritime information warfare

Maritime Information Warfare (MIW) provides a unifying concept for the integration, within naval operations, of information; command and control (C2); intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR); electronic warfare (EW); and cyber systems. MIW leverages the plethora of socio-technical networks, sensors and information sources (e.g. terrestrial, space based, open sources) to support the development of a multilayered, multi-domain operational maritime picture. However, modern navies are relentlessly challenged by the rapid changes in communications; sensors; signal processing; information management; and, imaging technologies. To illustrate the MIW R&D challenges and opportunities facing the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), this presentation highlights some of the concepts and technologies being explored within the current research program. This will include new sensors and information management technologies being developed within Defence R&D Canada. This research will be exploited to ensure optimal operational and tactical level decisions for both independent and coalition maritime operations in domestic and global theatres; and, support Command's ability to maintain both effective and technologically relevant Command Decision Support and Control.