Estonia To Beef-Up Battle-Management Capability
By GERARD O'DWYER
Published: 20 Nov 2009 10:39
HELSINKI - Estonia's Ministry of Defense (MoD) has contracted Systematic Software Engineering, the Aarhus-based Danish defense software group, to deliver a C2IS/Battle Management System to the Estonian Armed Forces for a "try before we buy" 12-month period.
The range of situation awareness products included in the agreement will be delivered by Systematic Software Engineering Oy, the Danish group's subsidiary in Finland.
The primary goal is to improve the battle-theater management and efficiency of the Army's operating units using real-time situational pictures. The system allows unit commanders to conduct multiple and simultaneous battlefield management operations.
"The system ordered provides a real-time overview of the location and activities of subordinate units or, if necessary, individual soldiers. It also allows for the management of a unit in battle faster and with a better situation awareness, as well as unit activity planning and the execution of various control operations," said Capt. Vahur Parve, head of the military's Communication and Information Systems Training and Development Center.
The system, the purchase of which forms part of the armed forces' battlefield management pilot project, will be first tested by the Army's 1st Infantry Brigade and in the units attached to the Scouts Battalion.
Strengthening the armed forces' battlefield management capability was one of the main priorities outlined in the MoD's Defense Development Plan 2009-2018, which was approved by the government in January 2009.
The plan aims to improve the development of command and communication systems, both at the strategic and tactical levels, enabling forces to deploy rapidly and effectively in both international and national operations, while fulfilling NATO commitments.
"We will evaluate the system's performance and determine what changes should be made to make it more compatible with the needs of its users. After that, we plan to acquire the system in full and introduce it in the entire Army organization," Parve said.
According to the MoD, the innovative "try before we buy" approach will minimize risk, ensure significant value for money and support a rapid rollout. As part of the agreement with the MoD, Systematic has signed a local partner deal with Webmedia, the Tallinn-based software company. Webmedia will support the Danish group's system training needs with military personnel.
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