Dynamic Messenger is an operational experimentation exercise, facilitating an operational evaluation environment to test and evaluate new maritime capabilities, supporting the delivery of innovative technology for Allied navies to sustain NATO's operational advantage. REPMUS is a Portuguese-led experimentation exercise that focuses on maritime unmanned systems experimentation, capability development and interoperability.
By combining the REPMUS series with the operational environment of Dynamic Messenger, NATO, Allies and Partners have a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge developments in sea robotics.
The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) plays an integral role in the planning and execution of Dynamic Messenger, ensuring systems are interconnected and integrated to provide real-time situational awareness, above and below water.
NCIA's Air Command and Control (AirC2) Centre provides the Ship-Shore-Ship Buffer (SSSB) system, which receives, processes data from underwater unmanned vehicles to provide Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), with a real-time tactical picture, enhancing situational awareness and decision-making.
NCIA's Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (JISR) team also contributes by monitoring the presence of unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAV) in proximity of the operational Spanish ship, Cantabria. The team both on board the Frigate and from shore, is testing and improving the counter-UAV defence with radars, radio frequency passive detectors, and cyber detectors, amongst other counter-UAV technologies.
As part of REPMUS, NCIA's Chief Technology Office and the NATO Integrated Mission Services Centre are also leveraging NCIA's Multinational 5G (MN5G) project initiative. NCIA is testing maritime 5G communications, satellite communications and wireless access backhaul for military applications ensuring interoperability in the multi-domain environment. This testing includes several multi-national experiments with industry partners and NATO stakeholders.
"REPMUS provides a vital ground to experiment with Next Generation Communications Networks/5G with a focus on maritime use cases," explains Alper Koprulu, Project Manager from NCIA's Digital Innovation and Technology team. "This was not just about testing a solution; it was about demonstrating how next generation communications networks can fundamentally change future operations by providing resilient and interoperable capabilities for NATO and its Allies".
Dynamic Messenger and REPMUS focus on innovation experimentation and the adaptation of technology at scale and speed. Innovation in maritime unmanned systems requires active collaboration between end users, academia and industry, hence NCIA’s focus on working with external partners to develop cutting-edge technology for the Alliance.