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Innovation

Metaverse - A New Domain for Joint All-Domain Operations

The metaverse, though loosely defined, holds significant potential to enhance Joint All-Domain Operations (JADO) and may evolve into a new warfare domain itself. Metaverse characteristics bring alignment with JADO objectives and highlight new opportunities to leverage emerging technology for strategic advantage. However, risks accompany this potential, as virtual warfare can yield real-world consequences, and bring an impact greater than anticipated.

Dr. Tim Marler, Senior Engineer, RAND; and Professor, Pardee RAND Graduate School

Air Power by Small, Low-Cost Drones: Implications for Future Warfare

Drones are revolutionizing air power, offering cost-effective, low-altitude solutions that enhance speed, range, and lethality. The expanding use of drones also necessitates robust new countermeasures that can be integrated into legacy defense systems. Recent conflicts highlight the growing future role for affordable drone technology and counter-drone capabilities, highlighting their potential as force multipliers but also raising ethical, and legal concerns.

Dr. Neil Renic Researcher, Center for Military Studies, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Johan Christensen, Research Assistant, Center for Military Studies, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Framing International Partnerships in Future Force Transformation

Multinational military cooperation will be key to advancing future force transformation. By pooling resources, sharing innovations, and enhancing interoperability, states can build stronger, more agile defense postures. Cooperation can alleviate the challenge of budget constraints and technological complexity, fostering collaboration to tackle common threats and gain shared rewards. However, designing and sustaining strategic cooperation to support force development goals does not come easy.

Dr. Olivier Schmitt, Center for War Studies, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark

Leveraging the Defense Metaverse: Unlocking the Power of AI for Force Development

As operational landscapes evolve, militaries recognize the urgent need to harness the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) for adaptable capabilities. Introducing the concept of the “defense metaverse,” this approach constructs a dynamic digital twin of the battlespace, integrating AI and sophisticated models to refine tactical concepts. Highlighting successes like the GhostPlay project, it emphasizes prioritizing experimentation, training, and infrastructure to optimize AI-driven military capabilities.

Heiko Borchert, Co-Director, Defense AI Observatory, Germany

Torben Schütz, Research Fellow, Defense AI Observatory, Germany

Implications of Commercial Space: Enabling Capability and Introducing New Dynamics into Competition

The rapid growth of commercial space positions it at the forefront of innovation and activities relating to the expanding use of space. Militaries have much to gain from commercial space as they attempt to unlock the full potential that space-enabled capabilities can provide for military activity, but this will also introduce new dynamics into the competition for dominance.

Dr. Malcolm Davis, Senior Analyst, Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Australia

Leading Innovation: The Transformation from Closed Defense Industrial Bases to Open Innovation Ecosystems

Open innovation (OI) models represent a new strategy inducing huge transformation for defense organizations such as air forces and their industry partners, particularly lead systems integrators. The shift from closed to OI models has become essential, but implies paradigmatic changes to be managed relating to the design and appraisal of complex military programs.

Dr. Valérie Merindol, Professor and Co-Director, newPIC Chair, Paris School of Business, France

Transforming Ecosystems: Understanding the Dynamics Shaping Innovation Outcomes

The focus on air power innovation highlights its potential for exponential growth and its wide-ranging impacts. Success often extends beyond innovators’ control, underscoring the importance of understanding innovation ecosystems. As air forces transition to next-generation capabilities, strategic alignment and international partnerships are crucial for managing risks and unlocking future gains.

Dr. Andrea Gilli, Senior Researcher, NATO Defense College, Italy

Dr. Mauro Gilli, Senior Researcher, Center for Security Studies, ETH Zürich, Switzerland

Identifying Future Technology and Workforce Requirements for Air Operations

The national defense strategy emphasizes the importance of skills like cyber security and drone piloting. Using a strategies-to-tasks approach helps translate high-level goals into practical plans, guiding resource allocation. Aligning strategy with mission roles requires careful planning, particularly with advanced technologies like hypersonics and AI. Overcoming cultural barriers and addressing workforce training are essential for successful transformation.

Dr. Sherrill Lingel, Program Director for Force Modernization and Employment, RAND Corporation, United States

Innovation and Military Strategy: Shifting to Decentralized and Dispersed Approaches

In today’s dynamic landscape, traditional military strategies face challenges. Case studies like the Afghanistan withdrawal and the Ukraine conflict highlight emerging trends: decentralization, dispersal, and privatization. Embracing a diverse ecosystem and rethinking financing models are crucial to prevent strategic obsolescence.

Robert Murray, Senior Fellow, Scrowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, Atlantic Council, United States

The Air Force in a Technologically Disruptive Environment: The Challenges and Imperatives of Leading Change

Leadership styles are critical for empowering organizations toward change. Transformational leadership will be pivotal for the air force in unleashing the potential of its people to evolve to a new way of working. Advancing change and transforming people is, however, not a linear process, and grappling with the adaptive challenge requires more than simply focusing on technical problems.

Dr. Bryan Watters OBE, Associate Professor and Head, Centre for Defence Management and Leadership, Cranfield University & Defence Academy of the United Kingdom

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THE AIR POWER JOURNAL 2024. Rights reserved. Produced by SPPS