Feb 04. JP 2072 is a joint project to enhance communications for ADF land elements through the development of a holistic battlespace communications system for the land environment. The Battlespace Communications System – Land (BCS(L)) will be developed in a manner compliant with the Defence Architectural Framework and will operate within the Defence Information Environment.
The BCS(L) covers the spectrum of combat net radio (CNR) and trunk communications, which are currently two separate networks, as well as Local Area voice and data systems. Additionally, JP 2072 intends to introduce tactical data distribution systems and tactical communications range extension systems not previously employed in the Australian context.
The goal is to provide the Land Force with a deployable, scalable, secure and integrated BCS(L) offering seamless connectivity across all component systems to meet the existing and emerging information exchange requirements of command support, intelligence, offensive fire, logistics, ground based air defence and sensor-linked weapon systems. The BCS(L) will also provide formation and tactical commanders and their staff with real-time and near-real time access to logistics assets from Army, Navy, Air Force and coalition forces, as shown at Figure 1 below. The project may upgrade existing equipment as well as acquire and integrate new communications equipment.
Project Background
JP 2072 has evolved through the amalgamation of similar Land Communications Projects that were to enhance and upgrade trunk and combat net radio communications separately. The purpose of the amalgamation is to ensure that the existing disparate networks evolve to, or are replaced by, one logical network allowing seamless communications between the traditional Combat Radio, Local Area and Trunk environments.
The increase in deployment of digital systems and equipment is also providing a more demanding set of information exchange requirements including video, geospatial data, imagery, collaborative planning tools, distributed databases and real-time messaging. There is an expectation that the transfer of this information will not be inhibited or constrained by limitations in the communications network and that the communications network should evolve in line with the doctrine and tactics that seek to take full advantage of increased situational awareness. The present land communications systems do not have sufficient capacity to support these advanced information-processing requirements.
Therefore, the project aims to enhance the efficiency and capacity of the networks and optimise the network architecture to ensure that Electronic Information Exchange requirements of Command Support, Logistic Support, Intelligence, sensor to weapon and situational awareness systems are met in a timely manner with a capacity to evolve as technologies mature.
An initial study has been conducted to develop the architectural framework for land communications. The study identified capability shortfalls and established a representative model of the BCS(L), shown at Figure 2. The model acknowledges that whilst the BCS(L) can be viewed as one logical network to provide a multiplicity of services, it cannot be provided as a single physical network. Accordingly, the model is broken into a series of sub-systems to reflect these different physical instantiations.
Project Phases
The phased breakdown of JP 2072 is as follows (indicative only):
Phase 1 (YOD 02/03) will equip a Joint Task Force (JTF), based on a Brigade Group (inclusive of supporting RAAF, LSF and Force-level elements), with a modern digitally based communications system, providing a baseline for the future tactical information exchange system. This involves equipping the JTF with the core elements of a functional BCS(L) – including the provision of modern Combat Radio, Tactical Trunk and the Local Sub-system capabilities that provide an integrated voice and data network. The