Conquering the Digital Divide in Multi‑Domain Operations

Alien invasion

It’s a theme from countless works of science fiction: Hostile aliens arrive on Earth with technology so advanced that it anticipates humanity’s every move. They counter fighter aircraft before they are airborne, neutralise missiles with ease, and prepare for threats that we have barely begun to plan.

Advances in battlefield data sharing and connectivity may, in some cases, place armed forces at a strategic disadvantage if not addressed. The rapid digitalisation of defence forces is opening the way for true multi-domain operations, where troops and systems can freely communicate across the land, sea, air, cyber and space domains in real time. 

With assistance from data fusion and decision-support, armed forces who successfully embrace this technology will be able to anticipate and respond to adversary actions faster than ever before.  Failure to adapt could limit operational effectiveness.

The next wave of digitalisation

The digitalisation and modernisation of armed forces is, in one sense, nothing new. Digital technologies have been slowly making their way into the defence space since at least the 1970s, replacing analogue communications and standalone platforms and delivering efficiency increases. In more recent decades, technologies like GPS, network-centric warfare, cloud, AI and autonomous systems have become increasingly important, improving the ability of forces to coordinate, decide and act when facing the enemy.

Accelerating OODA

Effective decision-making across multiple defence domains has historically been constrained by fragmented information flows and sequential coordination, which can slow the observe–orient–decide–act (OODA) loop. What is changing now is that digital technology has matured to the point where it can actively enable faster, more integrated decision-making. Data fusion platforms, secure high‑bandwidth communications, cloud and edge computing, advanced sensor technologies and AI can now be combined to support near‑real‑time information sharing across domains and geographies. 

This creates the conditions for a significantly accelerated OODA loop and more coherent multi‑domain operations. In parallel, leading militaries have recognised the operational value of this approach. NATO, for example, has pursued a comprehensive digitalisation effort since the mid‑2010s, focused on connecting systems, data and decision‑making across allied forces to enable multi‑domain operations.

A whole new way of engaging the enemy

So how does full digitalisation and an advanced MDO capability differ from legacy approaches? 

 In broad terms, traditional defence strategies have tended to address threats sequentially and by domain. Air forces, navies and land forces would typically plan and operate largely independently, engaging an adversary in a prescribed order based on domain‑specific responsibilities. Air assets might be tasked first to counter airborne threats, followed by maritime forces operating at sea, with land forces engaging only once an adversary reached territorial depth.

Under NATO’s MDO doctrine, these domains are no longer fought in sequence but combined, allowing forces to coordinate and concentrate effects across air, sea, land, cyber and space simultaneously. For example, rather than tasking the air force alone to strike a naval target, sensors from space and cyber domains could identify and track it, electronic warfare systems could disrupt its defences, and air and naval assets could strike simultaneously. 

In another scenario, a land-based threat might be detected by drones, targeted using satellite and cyber intelligence, and engaged by a combination of artillery, air power and electronic attack – all coordinated in real time. From the stand-point of an enemy with inferior or no MDO capability, the impression is of an opponent that can see every move as it unfolds and respond before a coherent defence can be mounted – much like the technologically superior adversaries of science fiction.

What does digitisation enable? 

Digitalisation and MDO open the way not just for better cooperation within a nation’s armed forces, but with forces within the various domains of allies. Coalition partners can now potentially coordinate multi-front, multi-prong approaches that quickly overwhelm and defeat less well-organised enemies, even those with superior numbers.

The benefits for those willing to digitalise enthusiastically aren’t just limited to MDO. Autonomous systems are becoming increasingly viable across land, sea and air, allowing forces to extend their reach while reducing risk to personnel. 

Advances in sensor technology and connectivity are also creating a more persistent and detailed picture of the battlespace, making it harder for adversaries to hide or manoeuvre undetected. As these systems scale, environments such as the Baltic Sea could become increasingly transparent, with dense sensor networks tracking movement in near real time. This in turn highlights opportunities to enhance platform resilience and to further develop the effective use of concealment and deception. 

Multi-Domain Operation or fall behind

While the rewards are significant, digitalisation and preparation for multi‑domain operations represent a strategic investment in long‑term effectiveness. By progressively connecting sensors, networks, computing and decision‑making, armed forces can unlock faster coordination, improve situational awareness and increase operational flexibility across all domains.

Culture is another hurdle. Armed forces must move away from deeply ingrained domain-based thinking and adopt a more integrated approach to planning and operations. This also requires changes to procurement, requirements and training, ensuring that interoperability and data sharing are built in from the outset.

Despite the challenges involved, digitalisation and multi‑domain operations offer armed forces a clear opportunity to enhance how they operate across domains. As technology and doctrine continue to evolve, advantage increasingly accrues to those able to connect systems, share data effectively and act with greater speed and coordination.