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As new technologies of information and telecommunications spread to the defence and security realms, more and more nations get ready to address the challenges of battlespace digitisation. However, reaping the benefits of these technologies in the current operational environment raises the issue of networking legacy with computerised command, control, communication and intelligence (C4I) systems, while allowing operational users to insert these technologies into their tactics, techniques and procedures.

To face this challenge, Thales, lead system integrator of C4I solutions worldwide, has leveraged on its ability to integrate sensors, commanders and shooters on common information and communication services, to comply with the mature NATO Network Enabled Capabilities.

The resulting solution was launched in 2007 under the Comm@nder trade mark. Comm@nder reflects the Thales C4I know-how to address battlespace digitisation while accommodating legacy tactical communications, networks, sensors or command & control applications to allow a synchronised flow of information between command posts, intelligence assets, and fielded forces.

This proven C4I know-how, expressed until then as sensor systems, communication systems, information-centric command posts, digitised platforms, shooters or soldiers, is pooled together in the Comm@nder capability solution. Designed to address an operational user's doctrine, equipment, systems and people in a coherent way, this capability rests on a common interoperability layer for tactical communications and operational information systems, as an enabling architecture upon which each key function of C4I can be integrated.

The Comm@nder family networks capabilities for command & control from joint headquarters (Comm@nder Joint) to the dismounted digitised soldier (Comm@nder contact), while integrating deployed command posts of Army units of action (Comm@nder Army from corps to brigade), as well as command vehicles of mobile units of manoeuvre (Comm@nder Battle for battalions and below). The Common operational picture built at higher level can thus be shared and filtered to meet the requirements of the lowest tactical users.

Similarly, the key operational supports of artillery and intelligence are available under the Comm@nder Fire and Comm@nder Intel solutions respectively, receiving their part of the overall commander's intent and feeding him back with enemy information and target information in a C2-friendly format and a timely manner.

Last but not least, the challenges of battlespace digitisation bear a tremendous impact on the already stretched human resource. This is why re-training needs of commanders to exploit the benefits of digitisation and adapt their tactics, techniques and procedures are met by Comm@nder training. By providing a close integration between live C4I systems, decision makers and subordinated training systems, Comm@nder Training prepares newly-digitised forces for information-centric, network-enabled operations in today's complex operating environment, from higher command posts to the individual section leader.

Comm@nder is the Thales C4I formula for information dominance on the digitised battlespace, and illustrates Thales unique spectrum of skills. A 20-year experience serving defence and security customers, standing proximity to current operational challenges, proven solutions for military networks and combat net radios on a tactical internet, all merge to the benefit of military interoperability for jointness and cooperative operations in the peace-crisis-war continuum.