UK Military Moves Beyond Paper Maps to Digital Networks

By Julian Nettlefold,

Project Overview 

Availability of situational awareness information in a timely, accurate and consistent manner is a key enabler to the effective command and control of dismounted close combat forces and achievement of military objectives.

The UK’s current use of paper maps and radio voice communications is slow and onerous and can lead to misinterpretations between commanders. Advances in situational awareness technology, as demonstrated by the USA and other allies, offer the opportunity to further digitise the Battlefield.

Through the automation of battlefield data collation and exploitation, commanders at company-level1 and below, shall be more informed, able to make decisions quicker, increasing operational tempo and reducing the risk of own force casualties. 

The DSA project team entered an Assessment Phase2 in March 2021 to develop a new, technology-driven, situational awareness capability enabled through the acquisition of suitably qualified and experienced industry partners.

Specifically, a Design and Integration Partner to develop a Ministry Of Defence (MoD) owned solution which shall enable future capability evolution into the 2030s and beyond, ensuring that the MoD has access to the latest technology and innovation from across industry whilst avoiding “Vendor Lock In3.” 

A Radio Provider and component provider shall also be contracted by the Authority to provide/manufacture/ produce the physical DSA system at scale. It is expected the first capability delivery of DSA shall be Quarter 3 2024. DSA is a project within the Land Environment Tactical Communications and Information Systems (LE TacCIS) Programme.