Specific Challenge:
Interoperability of defence systems is key for the ability of different forces to operate safely and effectively together in joint or combined operations. It can be challenging for the armed forces to achieve desired levels of interoperability. Interoperability relates on a technical level to the possibility of connecting or commonly using equipment and systems. This can be enhanced by e.g the use of open standards or joint architectures. But interoperability can also require interlocking processes and can even have implications on concepts of use and employment of systems. The increased use of unmanned systems (UXS, in which "X" can stand for "A" (aerial), "S" (surface), "G" (ground) or "U" (underwater)) of modern forces in multi-national operations require multi-national interoperability, cross-domain interoperability, effectiveness, as well as adaptability of systems to mission and mission intensity, which may imply upgrade and adoption of novel payloads or maintaining and upgrading equipment at state-of the art or standardising the human-machine interaction.
Scope:Interoperability can exist at different levels. Proposals are invited to focus on interoperability and standardisation of systems, subsystems, components and procedures of complex UXS platforms in a network centric environment. Proposals can address, amongst other, topics such as:
The proposed activities should include a demonstration of the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
The proposals should include a high-level description of the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the envisaged functionalities and the methodologies on how to measure them. A report with a detailed description of these KPIs and methodologies should be delivered within 6 months after the start of the project.
The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the Union up to EUR 1 500 000 would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.
When relevant, results publicly available from EDA and NATO activities and studies should be taken into account for the proposed work. The activities included in the proposals should clearly differentiate from or go beyond work already covered under relevant themes of the EU Programmes.
No more than one action will be funded.
The lifetime of the proposed project should not exceed 24 months.
Expected Impact: