Openness in military systems part 2: Case studies

In order to establish an Open Systems Architecture (OSA), certain principles must be adopted and followed. To maintain an open system architecture through-life, the Ministry Of Defence (MOD) must be confident that it can commission new, enhanced functionality from anyone who can economically supply add-ons to a system. Delivery of coherent land force elements is based on the integration and interoperability of systems within a deployed brigade, which places the brigade as a system of systems, and places military doctrine at its foundation. A number of design principles are explained in this document, alongside a narrative description of the realities of openness - including the observed benefits of openness - and identification of what is preventing a quick transition to openness within the MOD. Based on the outputs of three recent MOD programs in which OSA forms the backbone of future implementation, a number of recommendations are offered which constitute the first steps in establishing a program to introduce openness to tactical communication networks in the land environment.