Northrop ‘combat edge’ software connected the troops without cloud

Berkowitz underscored the nature of the software, making it suitable for deployment

Northrop Grumman announced the successful testing of software designed to receive, share, and customize data on handheld devices utilized by U.S. troops, eliminating the need to connect to a distant cloud server during battlefield operations. The testing of the "combat edge software" incorporated Link 16 data and signifies a significant advancement toward realizing the Pentagon's vision of Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2). This campaign seeks to integrate disparate databases and forces across multiple domains, including land, air, sea, space, and cyber, empowering the most strategically positioned and well-equipped forces to initiate preemptive strikes. In anticipation of potential disruptions by future adversaries, Northrop's software is engineered to address these challenges while catering to the operational needs of troops in the field.

Kevin Berkowitz, Northrop's Vice President of Secure Processing and Networks, emphasized the evolution of data transmission challenges from mere accessibility to ensuring the rapid delivery of relevant data tailored to the end user. He highlighted the significance of providing real-time, actionable intelligence to soldiers without reliance on overarching infrastructure or cloud servers typically found in operations centers. The software's versatility extends beyond Link 16 compatibility, as it seamlessly integrates with various waveforms and networks, ensuring compatibility with existing equipment, including Northrop's own products. While acknowledging its potential applications across the military, Berkowitz noted initial interest from the Air Force and Navy, particularly due to their operations in remote and challenging environments where connectivity is often limited.