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Digitalisation of the Armed Forces Determines Success in the Battlespace

Software is no longer just a support for weapons and communication systems in the deployment of armed forces but has developed into one of the key elements of modern weapon systems. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), the systems continuously control, regulate, and optimize military processes. Examples of software-defined weapon systems include the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet, the Patriot missile defense system, the M1 Abrams tank and the French Griffon, Jaguar and Serva armored vehicles. The guiding concept behind this change is “Software Defined Defence” (SDD). It prioritizes the role of software in the continuous improvement and increasing competitiveness of armed forces’ equipment. In contrast to conventional physical upgrades, SDD enables an army to respond quickly, flexibly, and effectively to rapidly changing requirements and threat scenarios.

Digital Superiority in the Battlespace

TACTICAL CORE includes several software products developed in-house by blackned. One of the main components is RIDUX, a tactical middleware powerhouse divided into the Node and Client components, both equipped with our robust security solution STCS. RIDUX is complemented by XONITOR, our network monitoring and management solution. This functional branch is supplemented by FLOWL, our efficient ITSM system, and JAZZEY, the RPA solution equipped with E-2-E monitoring capabilities.

Digital Superiority in the Battlespace 

TACTICAL CORE serves as a multitool that breaks down manufacturing silos, integrates existing systems and enables future technologies in the process. It provides a highly secure, dynamic and self-organising infrastructure for future-proof, critical and secure communication and data exchange at the tactical edge. The XONITOR software is the monitoring and management tool, RIDUX is the middleware that aggregates different transport networks into a common communication network. 

Truly Open Ecosystem 

There is more to TACTICAL CORE, it embodies a truly open ecosystem, designed to be fully accessible to developers, vendors, and users alike. Emphasizing openness and inclusivity, there are no restrictions or barriers on access, participation, or the development of applications or services. This approach fosters a culture of innovation and creativity by providing a level playing field for all stakeholders.

A key strength of TACTICAL CORE lies in its emphasis on interoperability. By enabling seamless integration and collaboration between different blueprints and systems, it promotes efficient communication and synergy among various technologies. This interoperability ensures that users can benefit from a diverse range of applications and services, leading to enhanced user experiences.

Mobility

In the fast-paced chaos of battlefield missions, TACTICAL CORE’s innovative MeshFlow technology enables seamless, self-organizing networks. Soldiers can move freely between service areas without disrupting connectivity, thanks to its dynamic, self-healing design. Each node automatically identifies neighboring nodes, creating a unified communication platform for shared information exchange.

Reliability

A modern, secure tactical network ensures reliability at every node. Each TACTICAL CORE Node offers a full suite of services like PTT and location tracking autonomously or collaboratively. With a decentralized structure, there are no single points of failure; nodes serve as backups for one another. An advanced routing algorithm optimizes bandwidth usage, seamlessly adapting to compromised media by switching to alternative waveforms.

Security

Securing access to the tactical network is challenging due to dynamic environments, diverse domains, and various security solutions. The embedded group key exchange at the edge eliminates central authentication needs. Each node requires a custom secure crypto element for classified access. TACTICAL CORE supports multiple security domains for unified classified and unclassified communications.

Interoperability

Armed forces’ communication gear spans from traditional VHF/UHF to modern broadband, often lacking interoperability due to proprietary solutions. TACTICAL CORE unifies digital radios via IP interfaces, manages analog devices with the Personal Radio Adapter (PRA), ensuring transparency down to the soldier level. It integrates seamlessly with all radio tech and vendors, remaining hardware-agnostic.

Availability

Tactical edge networks often encounter challenges like limited radio coverage, connectivity loss, and enemy jamming. TACTICAL CORE addresses these by using multiple technologies simultaneously, automatically switching as needed. Each node acts redundantly, forming a resilient mesh network without a central point of failure, providing essential services autonomously even in isolated environments.

Usability

Integrating new information, devices, and technologies in a network increases complexity, especially during critical missions. TACTICAL CORE simplifies management with a unified interface, allowing easy control of diverse nodes. Designed for non-professionals, our products are quick to set up and deploy. We prioritize user feedback in real deployment scenarios to shape our usability roadmap.

Middleware

RIDUX ensures continuous communication right up to the front lines.


The prowess of TACTICAL CORE shines through in its remarkable RIDUX Collaboration Client (RCC).

Invisible Control Centre for Secure Battlefield Communication

RIDUX represents the next generation of digital networking in the field. The aim of its development was to significantly optimise the communication capabilities of forces on the battlefield. Often, situational information is not available simultaneously and independently to all forces, which can lead to delays in decision-making, inaccurate situational assessments and misunderstandings in command execution. A reliable and efficient data and communications infrastructure is therefore critical to mission success. RIDUX addresses these challenges with an interoperable, secure and mobile communication platform. This platform promotes rapid deployment, ensures seamless collaboration and increases mission efficiency through advanced security mechanisms and flexible tactical routing. Its user-friendly interface and adaptability enables both end-user, IT technician and management operation.


Management

XONITOR helps to ensure the optimal function of the TACTICAL CORE network at all times.


 The “Jazzey Suite” offers everything necessary to monitor entire IT services for their functionality.


Cross-manufacturer Resilience of all Digital Functions 

The challenge of today‘s network and monitoring systems is to manage and monitor different network components regardless of manufacturer. XONITOR is the perfect network management solution for this.

 Built upon 25 years of industry experience, XONITOR is a field-proven, trusted and widely deployed network monitoring system which meets all standards for highly effective network administration. It features a unique bundle of properties including Auto-Discovery which not only automatically detects and discovers individual manufacturers, but also specific models and their components. The system is capable of achieving a 100% detection success rate. Collected data can also be used for inventory & asset management.