Operationalizing AI and autonomous systems as true warfighter partners to augment complex combat decision making.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency took some of its Squad X equipment to the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, Calif., for a test run.
The Squad X program aims to provide warfighters with lightweight, intuitive technologies they can use on the battlefield, where attacks can come from physical sources as well as the electromagnetic spectrum or the internet. The program uses autonomous systems that combine novel sensing technologies with off-the-shelf tools to increase squads” situational awareness and allow them to expand their area of influence.
The two systems tested focus on manned-unmanned teaming to enhance capabilities for ground units. CACI’s BITS Electronic Attack Module Squad System is a network of warfighter and unmanned nodes. Lockheed Martin’s Augmented Spectral Situational Awareness and Unaided Localization for Transformative Squads system equips warfighters with vests fitted with sensors.
These type of systems allow dismounted units to collaborate with AI and autonomous systems to make better decisions in complex, time-critical combat situations.