NATO’s Task Force X Baltic: Advancements in Maritime Unmanned Systems
Overview of NATO’s Task Force X Baltic
In June, NATO launched Task Force X Baltic in the Baltic Sea as part of a pilot operational experimentation (OPEX) initiative. This marks the inaugural at-sea implementation of NATO Allied Command Transformation’s Task Force X framework, which leverages maritime unmanned systems (MUSs) to address underwater threats. The initiative has yielded several significant advancements in command-and-control (C2) for MUSs.
Innovations in Command-and-Control
The task force achieved notable milestones in data dissemination, specifically by transmitting information gathered from unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and other MUSs through the NATO-wide Coalition Warrior Interoperability Exercise (CWIX) C2 structure. This information was then integrated into the ‘Mainsail’ data analysis tool employed by NATO’s Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), using protocols established by NATO Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 4817.
Unmanned and manned maritime platforms assemble during ‘REPMUS’. Developing C2 networks for joint operations was a focal point of both ‘REPMUS’ and ‘Dynamic Messenger’. Image credit: Dr. Lee Willett.
Mainsail: A Cutting-Edge Tool for Maritime Surveillance
Developed by NATO’s Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) under the auspices of ACT, Mainsail employs artificial intelligence (AI) for early detection of anomalous activities near critical undersea infrastructure (CUI) nodes. By consolidating data into a common operational picture (COP), Mainsail enhances maritime situational awareness (MSA). This tool is instrumental in supporting NATO’s ‘Baltic Sentry’ maritime surveillance operations, inaugurated in January following a series of CUI incidents that occurred between October 2023 and December 2024.
It is essential to clarify that Task Force X Baltic operates independently of ‘Baltic Sentry,’ which is actively involved in real-world operational scenarios utilizing two Standing NATO Maritime Groups (SNMGs). Mainsail is distinctly a tool for practical application in operational contexts.
The Role of STANAG 4817
Currently, STANAG 4817 is in its final stages of development, poised for potential ratification. These phases necessitate thorough testing and evaluation in OPEX environments that closely mirror real-world conditions. Task Force X Baltic provided an essential venue for such assessments.
This standardization agreement is crafted to facilitate interoperability and integration for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). Initially designed to establish architectural standards for high-level C2 interoperability of MUSs, STANAG 4817 has subsequently expanded to include lower-level C2 functions, such as UUV and USV reporting and task assignments. It serves as a comprehensive ‘blueprint’ for the platforms, their sensors, and the underlying software architectures.
During the implementation of Task Force X Baltic, these standards enabled standardized formats and terminologies for C2 communications regarding positioning and contacts, effectively communicating data from UUVs and USVs into the CWIX and Mainsail frameworks. This contributed significantly to a COP that could be distributed among diverse operational nodes, thereby enhancing MSA.
The Necessity for Standardization
The increasing significance of anti-submarine warfare (ASW), mine countermeasures (MCM), and CUI security underscores the need for extensive UUV surveillance. However, operationalizing large numbers of UUVs presents challenges, especially in the bandwidth-constrained underwater environment.
Many NATO member nations are actively engaged in developing UUV technologies, with several establishing national C2 frameworks to support their operational deployment. The growing involvement of industry stakeholders in producing UUVs, along with their associated sensors and payloads, has highlighted the urgent demand for NATO standardization in this domain.
The Importance of Standardization Agreements
NATO defines a STANAG as a document that outlines the agreement among member states to adopt a standard, either fully or partially, to fulfill interoperability requirements. STANAG 4817 could be pivotal in facilitating the large-scale operation of MUSs within broader multidomain operations (MDO).
Brett Steadman, chair of the NATO STANAG 4817 Custodian Support Team, articulated the value of this standardization: “STANAG 4817 provides a common reference architecture and standardized interfaces at multiple C2 layers, enabling operational integration of unmanned systems with enhanced agility and interchangeability.”
Royal Navy operators prepare for a UAV mission aboard a frigate during ‘REPMUS 2022’. STANAG 4817 supports interoperability, integration, and interchangeability in unmanned system operations across all domains. Image credit: Crown copyright/UK Royal Navy, 2022.
For a comprehensive exploration of STANAG 4817 and its role in NATO’s maritime unmanned systems strategy, please refer to the detailed feature on the subject.
