All eyes are on AUKUS to demonstrate what data-centric interoperability can do for mission partners. The allied nations’ ongoing exercises will create a template for dynamic and secure data sharing across borders — for Five Eyes nations and beyond.
In a recent Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) article, Jocelyn Kang, a technical program manager at ASPI, highlighted the critical importance of seamless information sharing and data exchange for the success of AUKUS. While Kang's analysis provides valuable insights into the challenges and potential solutions for enhancing collaboration among AUKUS partners, there's an opportunity to expand on her ideas, and address a crucial aspect of modern defense cooperation: flexible data-centric interoperability across multiple allied nations.
Current Initiatives Leading to Future Gains
There are several programs right now that are accelerating data-centric interoperability across AUKUS and NATO. For instance, the U.S. DOD’s Security Interoperability in the Tactical Environment (SITE) Summit and Global Information Dominance Experiments (GIDE) have played a pivotal role in demonstrating its power for defense operations. Since 2023, GIDE experimentation has made significant strides in integrating AI-driven predictive analytics, machine learning, and cloud-based platforms to provide real-time, actionable insights to military commanders. These experiments have proven to bolster information sharing across U.S. military branches and partner militaries, offering a robust framework for rapid decision-making and threat anticipation.
By incorporating data from diverse sources—such as satellites, sensors, and cyber networks—GIDE has shown how enhanced interoperability can enable seamless collaboration across borders. These technological advancements, tested through ongoing exercises, serve as a model for AUKUS partners to follow, laying the groundwork for secure, multi-domain data exchange and faster joint responses in future conflicts.
At the core of the AUKUS partnership is the ability for these nations to operate as a unified force, enhancing both deterrence and response capabilities in an increasingly complex security landscape. Simply put, data-centric interoperability can directly impact this bottom line and enable seamless cross-functional collaboration.
Understanding the Motivation
Taking a step back, it is important to understand the reasoning and motivations behind the AUKUS partnership.
Military doctrine is bullish on the fact that future conflict will be fought “By, With, and Through” partners. There is simply a need for multinational cooperation for effective military operations. The idea is the unique strengths and capabilities of allies banded together can optimally achieve shared objectives. AUKUS is a clear example of this concept.
Getting more specific, this partnership is a response to the allied nations’ Near-Peer threats, such as China. China's continued advancement of cyber warfare capabilities and strategies challenge the traditional military dominance of the U.S. and its partners. AUKUS aims to counter this growing influence by enhancing joint capabilities, improving interoperability, and sharing cutting-edge defense technologies like nuclear-powered submarines and cyber defense tools.
Data-centric interoperability is essential to ensuring the goals behind this partnership are met. In the face of an incredibly powerful adversary like China, the need for real-time intelligence sharing and secure communications across Allies in order to make fast and correct decisions is critical.
Charting a Way Forward
As part of the Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) initiative, the Department of Defense, along with the U.K., Australia, and other allied partners will test itself, with exercises focusing on dynamic, cross-domain data sharing in the field.
As a follow on to the U.K.’s last Carrier Strike Group exercise in 2023, the Ministry of Defence stated another such exercise will see the nation partners moving vessels through different ports in Asia and creating “data bridges” to dynamically share information with the right individuals, systems, and devices, at the right time. This is ever more enhanced as the follow-on carrier deployments bring on new partners to sail together.
Realizing the Full Potential of AUKUS and Beyond
By integrating data centric technologies like the ODNI’s Trusted Data Format (TDF) or NATO’s Zero Trust Data Format (ZTDF) into the vision presented by Kang, we can address the current limitations of proposed cloud initiatives and create a truly transformative environment for international defense cooperation. This approach would not only strengthen the AUKUS partnership but also provide a flexible framework for secure collaboration with a broader network of allies.
As AUKUS faces increasingly complex global security challenges, the ability to share information securely and dynamically across national boundaries will be a key determinant of success. By embracing data centric technologies alongside the cloud-based platforms and procurement reforms suggested by Kang, we can create a robust ecosystem that enhances our collective defense capabilities and ensures that AUKUS and its allies are well-prepared for the challenges of the future.
