C4I2SR in the Indian Context: Challenges and Responses

Keynote Speaker: Lt Gen Z U Shah, PVSM, SM, VSM, DCOAS (P&S)

Chair: Lt Gen Davinder Kumar (Retd), PVSM, VSM, former DG Signals
Panelists: Maj Gen DV Kalra, ADG IS, Army HQ, Maj Gen AK Srivastava, ADG TAC, Army HQ, Cdr AP Golaya, Jt Dir, C4ISR, Naval HQ

Keynote Address:
In his welcome address Brig Gurmeet Kanwal, Director CLAWS, said that the basic purpose of the seminar was to bring emerging issues and challenges regarding C4I2SR to the forefront so that the impact of the revolution in information, communications and technology and transparency in warfare can be better analysed.

In his keynote address Lt Gen Z U Shah emphasised that the relevance of the C4I2SR in the field of modern warfare is constantly increasing. He said that increased transparency of the battlefield, due to highly lethal precision, timely response capabilities, enhanced mobility and range have changed the battlefield requirements. The future forces would have to be highly mobile and technologically superior to the enemy. Hence, technological advancement is required to enhance the war fighting potential at strategic, operational and tactical levels.

He further spoke about the three domains of war. The first being the physical domain that represents the physical platforms and interconnecting networks and also portrays the true picture of the actual ground realities. Second is the information domain which does not necessarily reflect the actual ground reality and where information is collected, analysed and shared for the best use of the commanders and subordinates. The third domain is cognitive which is in the minds of the commanders. It is indefinable and includes public opinion, leadership, cohesion, training and situational awareness. Victory can only be ensured when uncertainties and errors are minimised. 

He said that analysis and usage of information is as important as information collection through different sources. C4I2SR can be instrumental vis-à-vis Net Centric Warfare (NCW). Increased level of battlefield transparency through C4I2SR would ultimately turn decision makers into “Battlefield Managers.” They would operate from their network of systems enabled control rooms.

Citing the examples of ‘Operation Desert Storm’ and the war in Afghanistan and Iraq where US and its allies demonstrated their technological superiority, Lt Gen Shah said that India should draw suitable lessons from these. During these operations communication networks, designed particularly for NCW, were exploited to the optimum level. The entire network of systems and sub-systems was used not only to carry out precision strikes but to influence public opinion as well. The entire operation was covered real time by the media using C4I2SR resources.

He further added that in order to achieve “net centricity,” a reliable robust communication network is required which will allow interoperability of the three Services within themselves and with the government. A well knit network of C4I2SR structure to link strategic, operational and tactical domains is desired and should be put in place. But before that issues like information overload, data filtration, proper evaluation, spectrum management problems, devastating effects of cyber warfare, independent and indigenous systems need to be adequately addressed. He also pointed out that there is a need to better utilise our space technology and develop GPS systems indigenously. Improved coordination between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Services could prove beneficial. He also cautioned that we need to be aware of China’s ambitious plans in the space field.

Introductory Remarks: Lt Gen Davinder Kumar
Lt Gen Davinder Kumar briefly touched upon some vital issues regarding C4I2SR. With regard to the traditional resistance to adopt new technology, he said that hardware like tanks and ships are acquired more easily than networking technology. Despite the fact that information is the “life blood” of command, the importance of innovation in information and communication technology (ICT) is yet to be realised. Battlefield transparency can be achieved through a network of intelligence and interoperability. The US has achieved 95 per cent battlefield transparency. In India, to achieve battlefield transparency, surveillance and reconnaissance should be expanded. 

There exist any number of means to gather information such as satellites and human intelligence. Technologies these days are so advanced that a hundred metres below the surface a submarine can be detected and monitored through satellite imagery. In order to address problems like storage of data, Indian armed forces have started taking initiatives and the Indian Army has recently launched its first data centre. Sharing, formatting and processing of information are important to improve interoperability. Information management assumes great importance so that we can monitor who gets the required information and by what means.
Among the six parameters of the “kill chain”, he highlighted the importance of distribution of information through command, control and perception management. Infrastructure has to be built to support the C4I information network. Connectivity can be viewed as a problem as well as an answer. Having dedicated full IP addresses for each weapon system and managing all data is a Herculean task but achievable.

C4I2SR Challenges: Communication and Transformation: Major General AN Srivastava
Major General AN Srivastava stressed that communications are the nervous system of the entire combat organisation and need to be protected. C4I2SR is an introductory stage to NCW and is also a key to the future NCW. He explained how modern armies are switching to C4I2SR and why a robust C4I2SR structure is required for net-enabled warfare. To shorten the sensor to shooter loop, all the hardware and software requirements should be addressed adequately. C4I2SR structure will have to cater to these requirements in totality.

Network centric approach improves information sharing, gathering, processing and dissemination. It also enhances quality of decision and speed of command as well as quality of information along with shared situational awareness. It ensures greater collaboration and flexibility.

C4I2SR communications should be in concurrence with the battle doctrine and balanced so that over-dependence on technology and inhibitions about combat operations are avoided. Armed forces are supposed to act quickly, precisely and decisively particularly at tactical and operational level which entails comprehensive situational awareness and integration of sensors with shooters. This integration is the foundation of C4I2SR communications.

Information exchange should be designed in a way that suits the needs of all entities. To ensure smooth flow of data, the information heads to data linkages must be identified. Communication structure for C4I2SR can fulfill such information exchange requirements and ensure secure data transfer. In this regard, ‘system of systems’ approach is the best one. This can simplify the complicated work of data gathering, processing, fusion and management. By integrating several sub-systems, one logical network can be created. The communications thus achieved would be seamless and from anyone to anywhere in nature. In India C4I2SR is still evolving. There is a need to ensure smooth communications and operations in all geographical and climatic conditions. C4I2SR needs to be made available in entire spectrum of operations.

No technological or modernisation model including C4I2SR could remain free from drawbacks or shortcomings. Hence, the present system will be improved to facilitate adoption of changes. C4I2SR communication systems would largely be wireless and, therefore, large networks would be synchronised and some more alternatives to overcome challenges would be explored and exploited. Disproportionate increase in interoperability and inter-dependency, increased emphasis on end to end functionality rather than individual component capability, loosely coupled systems instead of specific task oriented system are some of the challenges in future architecture. C4I2SR systems cut across different elements with large amount of autonomous link planning and operations and recommends extensive use of satellite and micro UAV-based communication.

In India, C4I2SR will be helpful in military transformation. Interoperability is the end result of transformation. To reduce the existing flaws, some alternatives like substituting video teleconferencing with teleconferencing and white board capability, networking UAV downlinks should be critically examined and automated. Bandwidth management tools should be mandated.

Despite having so many advantages and potentials, the C4I2SR system is not free from problems. C4I2SR is mainly a computer based network; therefore, it has several difficulties such as essentially inherited problems of the internet, content retrieval, data mining, context awareness, tactical manifestation as “information overload,” possibilities of excessive accumulation of irrelevant information and key information loss. The C4I2SR system cannot decipher relationships between information and may prove incapable of flashing the key information. Whatever be the shortcomings, the fact remains that C4I2SR is possible and achievable. The efforts are on and quite visible as all three Services of Indian military are upgrading their ICT capabilities.

C4I2SR: Naval Perspective: Cdr AP Golaya
Cdr AP Golaya was of the view that there is utmost necessity to simplify the existing terminology and approaches to C4I2SR. The knowledge of how to use a system is more important than the technical details. Therefore, the means should not be confused for the end. Simplified and user friendly versions of complicated processes of collection, processing and display of information could prove more useful for the command. Pointing at the Observe, Orient, Decide and Act (OODA) loop, with the proper execution of the C4I2SR, he said that the time required to take decisions can be significantly reduced. He also presented a detailed picture of the existing status of the Net Centric Operations (NCO) in the Indian Navy.

He said that NCO draw C4I2SR systems into the “kill chain” and helps the commander cope with uncertainty through computer-aided action information systems. There are large areas of three dimensional operations (air, surface and sub-surface) taking place in the seas under the peculiar conditions and constraints. Interestingly, operations on the high seas are not limited to territorial waters. Freedom of navigation, and the operations and presence of non-belligerents increase the difficulties particularly when it comes to effective communication.

Besides situations like economic activities, fishing, feature-less environment, lack of hiding place, high data rates, and so on make the operations in the littoral and on the high seas more complex and difficult. In order to strengthen the existing communication system, measures such as in-house innovations, flexibility, build a little, field and evaluate, rebuild and implement and keeping pace with technology could prove beneficial.

However, before the end point of C4I2SR can be reached, there remains a long road to travel. The future Navy will have to be net centric.  High flow of sea traffic poses challenges to the communication network. Though surveillance data is available, the challenge lies in diffusing data into information. Number of people and sensors on a single ship make it more difficult. Therefore, end state is innovation. Home grown solutions and flexibility in approach are required. One should realise that technology is not to overtake human dimensions out of NCO but to supplement it.  By 2011, Indian Navy will have all the required systems put in place; till then it has to do with whatever is available. Reverse engineering of existing products to meet the fast changing requirements of the Indian Navy has proved useful and will continue to be carried out.

Interoperability: Maj Gen DV Kalra
Maj Gen DV Kalra drew attention towards inducting technologies in the Army that could lead to enhancement of battle space, compressed time frames and precise force applications. He highlighted the importance of interoperability and its relevance to C4I2SR. Technology has increased the volume and speed of data transmission and processing which has redefined command and control functions. India is standing at a juncture where technology cannot be negated. NCW capabilities are essential for successful conduct of military operations in the future. Knowledge base, therefore, has to be increased. Interoperability is one of the most challenging issues in the transformation from platform centric to net centric warfare. While defining interoperability he said that interoperability is the capability to communicate, execute programmes or transfer data among various functional components. During such data exchanges the user may or may not have knowledge of the unique characteristics of those components.

There are various levels of information systems interoperability models: ‘isolated’ which means non-connected; ‘connected’ means electronically connected having separate data and applications; ‘functional level’ means interoperability with minimal common functions having separate data and applications; ‘domain’ means shared data but separate applications; ‘enterprise’ means interactive manipulations, shared data and applications. A sixth level of interoperability – conceptual interoperability – is being talked about among military thinkers. Ethical and moral interoperability could be used to mitigate natural disasters.

During the 1990s, the Indian Army fielded the Tactical Command Control Communication and Intelligence system (TAC C3I), Management Information Systems (MIS) and Geographical Information System (GIS). TAC C3I system consists of Command Information Decisions Support Systems (CIDSS), ACCCS, ADC&RS, BSS and EWS. These projects were developed independently. Subsequently, the requirements of intra-Service interoperability were realised. Presently, TAC C3I projects are in various stages of development and fielding. Based on the TAC C3I vision, attempts are being made to achieve fair degree of interoperability by 2012. Vertical integration with various sub-systems and development of standard protocols to facilitate integration is also under process and will be put in place soon.

The importance of interoperability increases manifold owing to various reasons such as future joint operations and situational awareness to enable cohesive and synergised application of joint forces. Interoperability would be instrumental in ascertaining flow of information from elements within a Service and from one Service to another Service, in real or near real time. However, there are challenges that need to be overcome. These are frequent changes in requirements, security architecture, connectivity matrix and points of exchange of information, integration, legacy systems, standards and protocols, functionalities and procedures, time sensitivity, human resource (HR) issues, training of users and management of trained manpower. 

The implementation strategy should include operational interoperability, joint doctrine, identification of information required and its form, time frame in which information is required, joint training standards, technical interoperability and interface requirements of the various systems. The architecture of the systems is to be based on a Joint Staff Qualitative Requirement and must have a common database, compatible communications and applications standards. Middleware technology should be developed to achieve interoperability. Integration of legacy systems needs to be taken care of after evaluating the residual life and viability of such systems.

Pointing at the road ahead, he further said that strategic surveillance can be ensured, through Data Fusion Centre (DFC), by fusing data from all strategic sources such as satellites and then fused data being made available through the network for leadership in real time. Presently, PMO DCN is the agency piloting the tri-Services strategic network. Integration of TAC C3I System is a must to enable applications riding over various networks of the three Services to exchange information. A design of common applications for integrated C4I2SR is also required.

C4I2SR system can be viewed as the final state which would act as a force multiplier. Besides, more results would appear like integration of various sensors, weapon platforms and logistics operating in varied environments of the three Services in a seamless manner.  Robustness imparted to the system should enable its survivability during operations including nuclear contingencies. The system should be operational from land, air and sea. Synergy in warfare can only be achieved if there is interoperability between disparate systems of the three Services. Some of the issues related to interoperability concern the organisation/environment where the development takes place, while others are related to the actual development process itself. Command and control functions have to be re-scripted. The battlefield needs to be ‘flattened’ and hierarchical set ups in various systems and sub-systems including communication have to be adjusted according to the requirements of the changing time.

Discussion:
During discussion several new aspects were thrown up. It was suggested that an apex body to deal with NCW and C4I2SR is the immediate requirement of the armed forces. A Chief Information Officer is also urgently required who could help improve interoperability. Indian armed forces need a satellite with military capabilities. In case of space war or any attack on the Indian satellites, micro/nano satellites should be kept ready as back up. C4I2SR has to be implemented at the national level. Available resources, though in abundance, need to be utilised properly by laying out effective roadmaps. To prepare the armed forces for NCW, re-transformation of the existing structures and doctrine is essential.

The need of the hour is to develop India-centric C4I2SR. Technological innovation is not commensurate with the present economic growth of India. Seamless network is an utopia; complete seamless network does not exist anywhere in the world.

The armed forces will eventually have their own mobile network and a beginning in this regard has been made. Such mobile services are already operational in some parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Before it could be started all over India, the security issues involved are required to be resolved.

Both China’s and Pakistan’s anti-technology designs are heightening the concerns of everyone. China recognises that to be a super-power, it has to dominate all areas including ICT and NCW. China has created and deployed very potent cyber warfare units. They have launched cyber attacks on official sites of tech savvy and developed countries like US, France, Germany and England. India has been spared so far but mechanisms to deal with such problems are in place. There is a need to develop techniques to fight NCW effectively. 
The twin issue of C4I2SR and NCW will dominate the military technology landscape in the next few decades. CLAWS will undertake further studies and organise more focused discussions on these issues so as to offer development options to policy makers.

(Compiled by Dr Rajesh Kapoor, Associate Fellow, CLAWS.)