Page 30 - ADT NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2023 Online Magazine

perate need. Digital Backbone for Success

No matter who supports and maintains a UAV in its lifecycle, it will be
crucial to have the next generation of software available to manage
Keys for AAM success maintenance throughout their lifecycle. They need an end-to-end
digital data thread linking all data sources and stakeholders within
For uncrewed systems to become a staple within a UAVs ecosystem. Only then will they be able to ensure UAVs are
modern fighting forces, key considerations ready for action. Data collection, analysis, and execution are a vital
must be sustainment, support, and mainte- part of the operational management process and demand the
nance to ensure optimized asset availability. correct backbone of software support. Accurate data, advanced
Looking through recent uncrewed systems’ RFPs data analytics, and optimized forecasting must be in place to ensure
and SOWs from military forces we can see the maintenance tasks are completed at the right place and the right
complexity of UAV logistics and sustainment time, planned or unplanned, anywhere in the world.
activities.

This complexity demonstrates a wide range of We at IFS are already deeply involved in supporting the devel-
issues and actions that will require up-to-date opment of UAVs, working directly with next generation defence
software including ongoing support, repair and manufacturers involved in all stages of the UAV life cycle. They select
maintenance and training, and obsolescence IFS as the software solution of choice to oversee operations and
management. manufacturing projects, recognizing that the IFS software could be
used from the ground up within their manufacturing process from
protype to manufacturing operations.
Furthermore, the security software in these
UAS is key throughout their lifecycles due to
their susceptibility to cyberattacks. This vul- Ensuring Operational Readiness
nerability makes being able to identify, report,
and resolve security violations an operational Sustainment of these military resources is under constant watch now
imperative. Systems must be able to guarantee with the growth of AAVs and UAVs in defence, not just due to the
information systems are functional and secure, increase in complexity, but because of how crucial they are in cur-
ensuring information assurance is defined and rent and future operations. AAVs and UAVs must maintain constant
validated. Threats and risks should be taken readiness for deployment, making the digital backbone essential to
care of as soon as they arise at any point in linking sustainment activities at all stages of their lifecycles to the
their development. defence OEMs, forces, and contractors with a common data thread..

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