Command and control of systems of systems with autonomous capabilities

Recent military developments of increasing battle dynamics emphasize the increasing importance of smart technologies with autonomous functions. Discussions of autonomous systems have mostly addressed potential technology applications and interaction between operator and systems. Aspects of command and control and cooperation between human operators and autonomous systems in complex constellations have not been studied to the same extent. This report describes an explorative interview study with Swedish Armed Forces personnel about a number of potential future automated or "autonomous" functions and capabilities that were described using "capability cards". Some of these capabilities are currently already partially available, while for others, technical or operational challenges remain to be overcome. The interview study comprised expected military benefit of and risks associated with autonomous functions and capabilities, related challenges regarding command and control, as well as important considerations for flexible and agile command and control of autonomous systems. Where possible, the interviewees identified challenges to be overcome in the areas of command and control methodology, steering and control, and command and control systems, to be able to obtain the envisaged military benefits. The results show a wide spectrum of command and control possibilities and challenges with regard to autonomous capabilities', among others for navigation, guidance and processing of sensor data, self-protection, military effects, communications, and ITsystems. Of these, automation of functions and capabilities in relation to sensor systems, navigation, communications, and IT-systems are already operational or most likely to be operational in the short term, while automation of military effects (weapon systems) are most problematic from a command and control perspective. Several interviewees emphasized and exemplified the potentially increasing degree of complexity in battle with more competent autonomous functions, with associated command and control challenges. The need for flexibility in how to exercise command and control of autonomous functions due to inherent battle dynamics and unpredictability was another central issue discussed by several. Command and control of autonomous functions and capabilities presuppose the possibility of flexibly defining their degree of autonomy and which roles steer and control them, even in unexpected and heavily degraded circumstances. Suggestions for further research are presented for a number of research areas.