Analysis of collective agility in military formations, a key Air Force strategy, optimised by AI and multi-domain connectivity.

The US Air Force is focusing on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into military operations to enhance collective agility. This concept aims to improve the responsiveness and coordination of forces through connected platforms and multi-domain networks. Through systems such as the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) and Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2), the Air Force is developing capabilities to adapt operations in real time, integrating rapid updates and AI algorithms to maximise effectiveness on the ground.

Introduction to collective agility in military operations

Collective agility** represents a strategic advance for military forces, particularly in the context of modern warfare where the speed of reaction to emerging threats is crucial. The US Air Force, under the leadership of General David Allvin, is implementing this approach to anticipate a combat environment transformed by artificial intelligence and computer automation. This strategy is based on the ability to connect and coordinate military formations, combining manned and unmanned platforms, in order to respond quickly and effectively to new information on the ground.

The aim of this collective agility is to enable different systems to operate synchronously, even when they are geographically dispersed. This includes not only communication between units, but also real-time analysis of data collected by sensors, facilitated by AI. In practice, this could mean that a formation of combat aircraft and drones, for example, could adjust their actions in real time according to new data obtained on the battlefield, optimising the responsiveness and coordination of military operations.

The importance of ABMS in the collective agility strategy

The Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) is at the heart of the Air Force’s initiative to achieve collective agility. The ABMS is designed to enable rapid and secure data sharing between various platforms, facilitating rapid and informed decision-making. During testing, ABMS demonstrated its ability to align rapidly emerging targeting details with effectors (or shooters) across different domains (air, land, sea).

This ability to integrate multi-domain data and use it to guide operations in real time is crucial to maintaining a strategic advantage. For example, during one exercise, ABMS enabled air platforms to direct ground artillery fire to intercept cruise missiles. This type of cross-domain coordination demonstrates how collective agility can be achieved in practice.

In addition, the flexibility of the ABMS means that new capabilities can be added rapidly through software updates, ensuring that armed forces can adapt quickly to technological innovations. This flexibility is crucial to maintaining operational superiority in an ever-changing warfare environment.

Integration of common data standards and rapid modernisation

To achieve collective agility, it is essential that new technologies are developed with common data standards from the outset. General Allvin stressed the importance of building platforms that can undergo rapid and continuous updates, enabling modernisation at the speed of coding.

This means that systems must be designed to rapidly incorporate the latest technological advances, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence. For example, new algorithms capable of improving system performance can be integrated almost instantaneously, ensuring that armed forces are always equipped with the best available technology.

The idea of ‘bake it in rather than bolt it on’ reflects the need to integrate these capabilities at the development stage, rather than trying to add them after the fact. This not only saves time, but also maximises the effectiveness of systems, making them more flexible and responsive to new threats.

The concept of collective intelligence in action

One of the most innovative aspects of this strategy is the idea of collective intelligence or ‘collective AI’. This concept is based on the integration of AI within each individual system, enabling autonomous analysis of the data collected and simultaneous integration with other collection points.

For example, a drone equipped with AI algorithms could analyse data from a sensor in real time and share the results with other units in the field. This multi-node analysis means greater responsiveness, because decisions can be taken locally without the need to feed all the information back to a centralised command centre. This means that operations can be better managed in real time, even in complex and dynamic environments.

The use of this collective intelligence is essential for future military operations, as it enables the capabilities of each system to be exploited while integrating them into a coherent and effective overall strategy.

Implications for JADC2 and multi-service operations

The concept of collective agility is not limited to the Air Force; it is being extended to the whole of the Department of Defence through the Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) initiative. This programme aims to integrate the capabilities of all military branches (land, air, sea, space, cyber) to enable optimal inter-service coordination.

JADC2 is designed to exploit the capabilities of AI and automation to enable the different branches of the armed forces to share data in real time, coordinate their actions and respond rapidly to emerging threats. For example, a navy ship could share information about a threat with Air Force units, enabling a coordinated and rapid response.

This multi-domain, multi-service approach is essential to meet the challenges posed by technologically advanced adversaries. By integrating the capabilities of all the military branches, JADC2 maximises the effectiveness of operations and maintains a strategic advantage on the battlefield.

The impact of collective agility on future military operations

The adoption of collective agility and AI in military operations will have profound consequences for the way future wars are fought. On the one hand, it will enable increased responsiveness, with armed forces able to adapt quickly to changes on the ground. On the other hand, it could change the very nature of warfare, making operations more autonomous and less dependent on direct human decisions.

However, this transformation also raises questions about the security and reliability of these systems. For example, the increased reliance on AI could pose risks if these systems are hacked or fail. In addition, it will be crucial to ensure that armed forces maintain human control over these systems to avoid situations where critical decisions are left entirely to machines.

Finally, the adoption of collective agility will require massive investment in technological infrastructure and AI capabilities. This includes not only the development of new systems, but also the training of personnel to operate effectively in this new warfare environment. Armed forces will also need to work closely with industry to ensure that the technologies developed meet specific operational needs.

Collective agility** represents a revolution in the way military operations are conducted, leveraging AI, automation and multi-domain connectivity to maximise the responsiveness and effectiveness of armed forces. This approach, which incorporates cutting-edge technologies from the outset and enables continuous modernisation, is essential to maintaining strategic advantage in an increasingly complex and dynamic warfare environment. However, it also requires increased vigilance to ensure that these systems remain safe, reliable and under human control. The future of warfare will be shaped by these innovations, and it is crucial that armed forces prepare for them now.

Want to fly a fighter jet ? Get in touch.