As the U.S. Navy and its joint and coalition partners rework their forces to deliver capability through an integrated but distributed operational force, a key element are the payloads which can be leveraged throughout the modular task forces making up such a force.

As Ed Timperlake has argued:  “Payload utility can be a driver for understanding the future development of combat systems. To understand payload/utility (PA/UT) with full honor to John Boyd, it can be noted that Observe/Orient (OO) is essentially target acquisition and Decide/Act (DA) is target engagement. Thus, there is a very simple formula, better and better TA and TE =more effective employment of all payloads available to the battle commander.

“It is the process of understanding the huge complexities in such a simple formula that is the challenge. Understanding the technology and human dynamic through an analytic filter of a Payload Utility function consisting of weapons (kinetic and TRON) and the dual components of Target Acquisition (TA) and Target Effectiveness (TE) effectiveness in a fighting fleet engaged in high intensity combat in the unforgiving cauldron of battle maybe a war winner. Either in one platform or melded into a unified fighting Fleet to bring all different types of appropriate “weapons on” for the kill shot is a powerful concept….”

“A very simple filter to look at platform and weapon development within the integration of current weapon systems and platforms is asking the largest questions possible and pursuing force design and operational answers to these questions:

“What does a weapon or system add to fleet PA/UT? How does this system help in TA? How does this system help in TE? What is the best weapon for the highest Pk against the target? Is the TA, TE and Weapons (kinetic and Tron) carried together organically on a single platform or distributed in the sensor-strike force”[1]

A recent interview by Rick Burgess of Seapower magazine with Rear Admiral Paul Schlise, Director of the Surface Warfare Division, N-96, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations highlights how the cross-cutting evolution of the surface fleet and payloads intersects to create a kill web force.[2]

When asked the question of how the Rear Admiral would compare the fires capability of the fleet when he was first commissioned in the Navy to today, this is what Rear Admiral Schlise said:

“The Navy has progressed in every dimension over the past several decades. Compared to when I commissioned in 1989, the ability to integrate weapons and sensors across a carrier strike group has expanded beyond my wildest dreams.

“Our ships are able to coordinate fires across the spectrum of warfare with combat systems, sensors and missiles that are smarter and better integrated with the platforms that operate them.

“Our Sailors are far more talented and benefit from tremendous virtual multi-domain training capability.

“To put it plainly, when compared to when I first commissioned, our surface fires capability is like comparing an old “brick” phone from the ’90s to a brand-new iPhone 12 today. We’re smarter, faster and more lethal than ever before.”

To get to this point, the Navy has added new capabilities to the surface ship platforms, provided new weapons on those platforms, integrated strike more effectively across those platforms, and is working new weapons as well as new approaches to adding platforms, including projected unmanned platforms, to the fleet.

As the Navy focuses on what distributed maritime operations actually mean for the evolution of the surface Navy and its operations with the joint and coalition force, the payload/utility function introduced by Timperlake is a key element of assessing how modular task forces can operate at the tactical edge.

What capabilities can a task force deliver as an integrated combat node?

What capabilities can that modular task force reachback to in order to enhance its lethality, survivability and lethality?

What capabilities can that modular task force contribute to its operational partners and allies in an area of interest?

According to Schlise: “The Surface Combatant Force is the key enabler for the Navy’s Distributed Maritime Operations concept.

“Enhancing lethality across all of our ships at sea operationalizes DMO and ensures the fleet has requisite capability and capacity to fight and win.

“Our efforts to up-gun our combatants are directly in step with the Navy’s Naval Tactical Grid initiatives.

“The Surface Navy is moving out aggressively to improve lethality across the spectrum of warfare. The Naval Strike Missile is in the fleet providing a multi-mission weapon for our littoral combat ships [LCSs] and future frigates. The SM-6 is a multi-domain missile, deployed on ships today, providing surface combatants improved capability and flexibility against advanced threats. As we continue to procure the SM-6, spiral development of the SM-6 family is ongoing to provide greater range and speed. The Maritime Strike Tomahawk provides versatility over long distances against targets at sea or on land.

“In addition to extended missile ranges, we’re also increasing our close-in battlespace lethality. The updated Mk38 Mod 4 Gun Weapon System provides an updated electro-optical sensor system with combat system integration for improved accuracy and close-in engagements against fast-attack craft and fast inland attack craft threats. In the near future, these guns will be paired with other weapon systems for greater lethality against close- in air threats as well.

“The surface fleet is also improving terminal defense weapons with spiral developments to the existing Rolling Airframe Missile and Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile. A new Vertical-Launch Anti-submarine Rocket Extended Range is proposed to significantly increase the range a ship will be able to engage a submarine target.”

He argued that new weapons are coming to the fleet as the Navy works with the versitility in its vertical launch systems, introduces directed energy weapons, and reconsiders how to reshape the amphibious fleet to be part of the broader surface warfare mission sets.

He discussed new platforms coming to the fleet, such as DDG next, and the new Constellation-class FFG.

He noted as well that the coming of maritime remotes are part of the platform build out and payload delivery capability within the fleet.

“USVs can bring additional capacity and capability to the manned combatant force to support distributed maritime operations. Results from our Future Surface Combatant Force Analysis of Alternatives and Future Navy Force Structure study both show the value in USVs and support continuing investment, prototyping and experimentation to mature this capability for future force integration.

“LUSVs, as a distributed fires platform, can increase the fleet’s missile carrying capacity and MUSVs, as a distributed sensor platform, improve the commander’s battlespace awareness.

“Our Surface Development Squadron (CSDS-1) is involved in testing these concepts using current prototypes in fleet exercises and experimentation.

“The lessons learned from CSDS-1 and results from our continued study and war gaming will help us refine concepts and inform further platform development to provide the fleet with a capability that can and increase lethality and capacity.”

But what is identified in the very good interview by Burgess of the Surface Warfare Director would simply be a laundry list of new weapons, upgraded weapons, or new platforms if not for fully grasping Timperlake’s point about distributed payloads and their utility to a kill web force.

Understanding how the fleet operates across the extended battlespace envisaged as a chessboard and how surface ships can operate beyond what it has onboard organically or in its legacy task force is crucial to grasp what an integrated distributed force warfighting approach can deliver.

The weaponization-platform dynamic interacts to allow for modular task force flexibility and significant reachback to other sensors and shooters accessible to a kill web operating force.

Hence, by understanding the payload-utility function of weapons, sensors, and the diverse impact of multi-domain platforms one can grasp why the US Navy is focused on shaping a maritime distributed force integratable with its joint force partners and allies,

[1] https://sldinfo.com/2017/09/shaping-a-way-ahead-to-prepare-for-21st-century-conflicts-payload-utility-capabilities-and-the-kill-web/. Some slight modifications from the original have been introduced into the text.

[2] https://seapowermagazine.org/qa-rear-adm-paul-schlise-director-surface-warfare-division-n96-office-of-the-chief-of-naval-operations/

Featured Photo: WATERS TO THE WEST OF THE KOREAN PENINSULA (March 17, 2013) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), front, the Republic of Korea Navy Aegis-class destroyer ROKS Seoae-Yu-Seong-Ryong (DDG 993), middle, and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) move into formation during exercise Foal Eagle 2013. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Declan Barnes/Released)</p>

An article published on November 19, 2020 in the UK Defence Journal highlighted the establishment of a new UK Space Command

On 18 November 2020, the UK announced its proposal to establish a new military command dedicated to space, similar to the recent moves taken by allied countries such as France and the US. The proposal of a new Royal Air Force (RAF) space command was part of an announcement by the UK Government of the largest defence budget since the Cold War of £16.5 billion over the next four years.

Boris Johnson announced “a new RAF space command launching British satellites and our first rocket from Scotland in 2022”.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

“The security and intelligence agencies will continue to protect us around the clock from terrorism and new and evolving threats. We will invest another £1.5 billion in military research and development, designed to master the new technologies of warfare. We will establish a new centre dedicated to artificial intelligence, and a new RAF space command, launching British satellites and our first rocket from Scotland in 2022. 

“I can announce that we have established a National Cyber Force, combining our intelligence agencies and service personnel, which is already operating in cyberspace against terrorism, organised crime and hostile state activity. And the RAF will receive a new fighter system, harnessing artificial intelligence and drone technology to defeat any adversary in air-to-air combat.”

A UK Government spokesman said:

“Spaceports offer an exciting route to enhance the future prosperity of the UK and we welcome the progress being made by the UK Space Agency. Spaceports will provide opportunity for a range of customers, especially in the context of improving global communications and data sharing.”

An earlier article in the same journal highlighted that the establishment of a Shetland spaceport would boost significantly UK space launch capabilities.

Shetland Space Centre anticipates that by 2024, the spaceport site could support a total of 605 jobs in Scotland including 140 locally and 210 across the wider Shetland region. A further 150 jobs will also be created through wider manufacturing and support services.

“Following a thorough process of due diligence, the UK Space Agency has confirmed that Lockheed Martin’s plans to move its UK Pathfinder Launch to the Shetland site at Lamba Ness on Unst would continue to deliver long-term value and help establish a sustainable, commercial launch market as part of the UK’s spaceflight programme – LaunchUK.”

Lockheed Martin say it is in discussions with a preferred partner to provide launch services for its UK Pathfinder Launch, which would take place from Shetland Space Centre.

UK Government Amanda Solloway, Science Minister, said:

“We want the UK to be the best place in Europe to launch satellites, attracting innovative businesses from all over the world and creating hundreds of high-skilled jobs. The potential to have multiple spaceports in Scotland demonstrates the scale of our ambition, and I want to support industry by pressing ahead with our plans during this challenging time. This government is committed to backing our growing space sector, developing a comprehensive space strategy and supporting transformative technologies that will benefit people and businesses across the country.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said:

“The UK Government is committed to cementing the UK’s position as a global leader in the space sector. The creation of the Shetland Space Centre is incredibly exciting news and a real boost for the local economy. Our investment in Scottish spaceports is creating hundreds of secure and skilled jobs for people in Scotland. The Shetland Space Centre a huge step forward for our ambitious UK Spaceflight programme.”

Just as an airport can handle a range of different airlines and aircraft, ‘Space Hub Sutherland’ has been designed to cater for the needs of multiple launch providers.

“This ensures it will be able to continue to compete for a wide range of exciting vertical launch opportunities.”

The UK Space Agency say it will also continue to fully support Space Hub Sutherland through grant funding to Highlands and Islands Enterprise to develop the spaceport infrastructure and to UK-based launch partner, Orbex, to prepare its innovative Prime rocket to launch from the site in 2022.

And earlier this month, the new commander of the UK Space Force was announced. Air Commodore Paul Godfrey, to become Air Vice-Marshal Godfrey in his new role has a wide range of experience in the evolving capabilities of UK fifth generation warfare as well as significant hands one experience working in Scotland as the base commander at RAF Lossiemouth.

An RAF announcement of the appointment highlighted that “Space Command will be a Joint Command, staffed from all three Services of the Armed Forces, the Civil Service and key members of the commercial sector at RAF High Wycombe.

“Based at RAF High Wycombe, Space Command will be a Joint Command, staffed from all three Services of the Armed Forces, the Civil Service and key members of the commercial sector. It brings together three functions under a single 2-Star military commander: space operations, space workforce generation and space capability.

“Strategic Command leads on developing joint enabling capabilities across the land, sea, air, cyber and space domains. In the space domain these include Satellite Communications, Position, Navigation and Timing as well as Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance.

“As Defence’s integrator Strategic Command works closely with the Space Directorate in Head Office and Space Command in the RAF to ensure they can collectively deliver the capabilities Defence needs to operate and fight in the Information Age.

General Sir Patrick Sanders, Commander of Strategic Command said: “The benefits we derive from Space are vital to our economy, our way of life and to our national security.  In particular we rely on space for the military command and control systems, cyber capabilities, communications, and surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities that Strategic Command provides with our partners to defend the UK and our allies. I look forward to Strategic Command, working very closely with the new Space Command to deliver the integration of these capabilities to our Armed Forces as they operate in the air, on the land, at sea and in cyberspace.”

According to Air Vice-Marshal Harv Smyth, Director, Space : “Space, and our assured access to it, is fundamental to military operations.

“Loss of, or disruption to, the Space Domain, will impact our ability to undertake the majority of Defence Tasks, and has the potential for significant effect on civilian, commercial and economic activity.

“The threat from adversaries in this rapidly maturing domain is real and it is here now.

“If we fail to understand how to operate successfully in the Space Domain through integrated operations, we lose our battle-winning edge.

“The establishment of a UK Space Command for Defence is a crucial step in our development, and will underpin our ability to understand and operate in Space.”

The announcement then added the following: “Direction from the National Space Council will flow through the Space Directorate in MOD Head Office to Space Command and other relevant elements of Defence. It is envisaged that Space Command will interact with the UK Space Agency, as required, to deliver joint national space capability.”

For some of our earlier interviews with Air Vice-Marshal Godfrey, see the following:

Recently, we posted a recent piece on Vice Admiral Lewis, head of 2nd Fleet and the Joint Force Commander Norfolk.

We highlighted a recent speech by the VADM which underscored that:

“We recognize in the Navy and the Joint Force that we have capability gaps that require our attention – one of which is what we are here to discuss today – C2 networks and the integration into a single structure.

“As we work to create a more networked force, we need to be agile in the way we think and how we operate with one another.

“And I’ll take it one step forward, as a dual-hatted commander of a U.S. and NATO command, if we are going truly operate as a joint force and an alliance, we need to implement processes at the beginning and provide more opportunities to train to the NATO standard – in addition to a standard across the Joint force.

“We put a premium on “local knowledge” and we look to leverage the knowledge and expertise from our Allies in operating under the NATO umbrella as we drive towards a new standard.”

More details were provided on his perspective in an article published on January 26, 2021 by Megan Eckstein where she highlighted the views of the Swedish Navy chief with regard to Russian Gray zone activities.

Her article was based on an American Enterprise Institute online discussion on the Baltic and North seas.

She highlighted comments by VADM Lewis at this event.

In the same event, U.S. 2nd Fleet Commander Vice Adm. Andrew Lewis also spoke of the importance of these exercises, saying in a previous exercise with the Swedish Navy he “learned more than I ever thought I would learn about mine countermeasures, about anti-submarine warfare, about operating in a very restricted waterway.”

Lewis repeatedly spoke about the need to be present in the Atlantic, the Baltic, the Arctic and other High North bodies of water. He made clear the U.S. Navy couldn’t provide enough presence on its own and was reliant on partners to help serve as eyes and ears for a network of allies and partners working together to push back against Russian activities that go against international standards of conduct.

Since 2nd Fleet reached initial operational capability two years ago, many of its most prominent operations have relied heavily on collaborations with allies and partners. Lewis noted that when he commanded the Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2019 exercise, he had just 50 staff members assigned to 2nd Fleet at the time but a staff of 450 running the exercise from command ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20) thanks to allies and partners sending their best officers to fill out the staff.

“2nd Fleet would not be where it is as a command now without Sweden and other partners in our command network. Absolutely would not be,” he said during the event.
“And I am extremely grateful for the nations and the organizations that we have partnered with and gotten assistance from, to include the U.S. 6th Fleet as well and the U.S. 4th Fleet down in Mayport, Fla.”

Also see the following:

The Future is Now for Enhanced Integratability: The Perspective of Major General Anders Rex