C4ISTAR

The success of an action depends to a very great extent on people’s ability to grasp and assess situations, to make decisions and to act. The amount of information available is increasing enormously and this both increases the possibility of using it and the problems of doing so. FOI’s research focuses on the entire chain from observation to decision.

FOI’s research in this area covers both above water and underwater sensors and the particular environment in which these sensors must operate. Important areas of work include sensor data fusion, the transfer of information using robust, high-capacity communications systems and wireless self-configuring networks (ad hoc networks). Another area concerns the security of information networks, for example against various IT threats.

A central consideration in our work is that decision-makers should be able to assimilate the relevant information. Through our research on man-system interaction and command and control methodology, we are able to identify requirements and how they should be met. Information fusion will often be an important aspect of the final decision-making support. The knowledge base that we create can also serve to support the security of civil society in the context of preventive measures and operational crisis management.

The Swedish Armed Forces are our most important customer. By participating in studies and trials of command and control methodology, FOI contributes to the development of new command and control systems. Other customers include, for example, the Rescue Services Agency and the Swedish Maritime Administration as well as companies in the defence industry.