HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- In a world of rapidly evolving threats, the U.S. and its allies are racing to develop command and control, and battle management capabilities that deliver decisive decision advantage for warfighters.
Nowhere in the world is that Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control concept more important than in the Indo-Pacific theater.
Delegates from the Japanese Joint Staff J6 recently met with leaders from the Department of the Air Force’s Program Executive Office for C3BM to synergize their modernization efforts with the DAF BATTLE NETWORK, the DAF’s contribution to CJADC2.
“I believe that the U.S. Air Force is very advanced in using new technologies,” said Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Capt. Daigo Tsubokura, director of Command, Control, Communications, and Computers/Cyber Office for the JJS/J6, through a translator. “We came to observe and learn from the U.S. Air Force’s experience, and I believe it will help strengthen the U.S.-Japan Alliance.”
The U.S.-Japan Alliance is the cornerstone of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. The visit served to enhance modernization efforts in interoperability and strengthen combined capabilities. CJADC2, led by the Department of Defense, is a series of interconnected capabilities providing joint commanders with sensors and systems across the tactical, operational, and strategic levels to create a clearer picture of the current situation in the fog of war. It connects C2 systems of key U.S. allies and partners, ensuring trust and interoperability, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of a combined international force.
Airmen showcased contributions to the DAF BATTLE NETWORK through the lens of cybersecurity, enterprise IT, C2 missions, software development, future foreign military sales and the work of C3BM-centric divisions such as the Advanced Battle Management System and Kessel Run.
“We were able to learn how quickly Airmen can go from development to implementation, all the way to operational deployment, and how Airmen have been successful in shortening that amount of time," Tsubokura said.
The JJS is part of the Japanese Ministry of Defense and responsible for integrating and modernizing the military operations of the ground, maritime and air self-defense forces. C3BM is responsible for designing and delivering the DAF BATTLE NETWORK. The DAF BATTLE NETWORK is the integrated system of systems connecting sensor, effector, and logistics systems providing better situational awareness, faster decisions, and decisive direction. In short, resilient decision advantage to the joint force.
“Visits like these help strengthen the bonds between the U.S. and its allies,” said Col. Ted Erickson, C3BM’s Air Mission Integration Team lead. “We have a shared commitment to deepening defense cooperation to advance a common vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”