An operator perspective on net-centric underwater warfare

In March 2007, the Networked Underwater Warfare Technology Demonstration Project at Defence R&D Canada-Atlantic conducted an at-sea antisubmarine trial utilizing Net-centric warfare (NCW) constructs to demonstrate improved technologies for underwater warfare. User feedback was solicited during and after the trial for the purpose of documenting the manner in which the systems were used during the trial and gaining insight into their potential future usage in NCW activities. This paper describes some of the key issues raised and how they might be addressed in the future. Although some of the issues raised can be addressed through adjustments in the communications strategy, the way ahead for NCW will require a redefinition of the concept of operations for each platform and for the team in order to balance the advantages of the team and platform-centric approaches.