The US Navy and a number of key allies are working manned-unmanned teaming as part of shaping the integrated distributed force.
Tiltrotor technologies have been a major boost to shaping integrated distributed operations.
The USMC is at the cutting edge of building out distributed operations, and USMC aviation has driven the change first with the Osprey, then the F-35B, and now with the CH-53K.
C2 is changing fundamentally with the shaping of an integrated distributed force.
“What we have with the OPV is the ability to shape it to operate in a number of different ways, including operating maritime remotes across the operational space. Rather than simply building a hull form to do classic constabulary tasks, we are building a ship which is capable of being morphed into a variety of missions with an extended operational combat or gray zone space." Vice Admiral (Retired) Tim Barrett
The newly launched Franco-German-Spanish Future Combat System is designed to build out an integrated distributed force.
The US Navy is adding the CMV-22B to the fleet and this asset will both contribute to the COD function as well as evolve as an asset for distributed maritime operations. The USS Carl Vinson will begin operations later this year with two new air wing assets: the F-35C and the CMV-22b.
At UxS Integrated Battle Problem exercise in San Diego, the U.S. Navy addressed who unmanned systems, both remotely piloted and autonomous might contribute to fleet operations. One of the participants was MARTAC with its Devil Ray USV.
The USS Gerald R. Ford will operate a new approach to air wing operations which we have labelled as working the integratable air wing in fleet operations.
The B-21 will enter the force as a significant flexible payload provider for the force, and for the fleet as well. Mix and match payloads directed by the modular task forces operating at the tactical edge can be provided by the bomber force.
The USS Wasp was an ASW provider during the Black Widow Fall 2020 ASW exercise. This is part of the reworking of how platforms and assets can function in a kill web approach.
The startup fleets in Norfolk -- C2F and Allied Joint Force Command -- which are fully operational now provide insights into a way ahead in crafting and building an integrated distributed force with current capabilities.
