It’s been a few months since my first blog post detailing my transition from the military to the realm of digital battlespace software. Time has flown by, filled with intensive collaboration with our international partners, particularly those from the US and Australia, whom we recently met at the Special Air Warfare Symposium at Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Building on this momentum, I’m excited to delve into 2iC’s involvement with the United States’ Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT) Program in this second instalment.
The FCT Program’s mandate is to identify, evaluate, and deploy cutting-edge technologies that enhance military capabilities and offer long-term value. Since its inception in 1980, the program has facilitated over $5 billion in foreign procurements, reinforcing the US commitment to mutually beneficial defense partnerships with allies and friendly nations.
Naturally, 2iC was eager to participate.
Lean Service Architecture: a game-changer
At the heart of our involvement in the FCT Program lies the Lean Service Architecture (LSA), a solution designed to establish a meta standard for interoperability across mission-critical systems, including cross-domain environments. LSA’s secure and scalable software-only approach requires minimal code installation on each device, enabling seamless communication and data sharing within tactical networks without the need for extensive network reconfiguration.
Imagine the simplicity of connecting to a WiFi network on your smartphone extended to drones, aircraft, and satellites. Suddenly, vital data streams such as Full-Motion Video and Targeting feeds become instantly accessible to the right personnel, at the right time, and in the right location. This simplicity and effectiveness caught the attention of the FCT, igniting our excitement to collaborate with them.
Success in collaboration
When stakeholders like the FCT grasp the elegance and potential of 2iC’s software, the path forward becomes clear. These breakthrough moments underscore the thrill of my role at 2iC — not merely as Head of Sales, but as a passionate advocate for technology’s transformative power in overcoming defense challenges.
Our participation in the FCT yielded tangible results. Collaborating with a department of the US Air Force, we successfully demonstrated digital integration between ground operators using ATAK and an aircraft. This proof of concept showcased seamless integration of existing systems across operational scenarios like Sensor Video Dissemination and Casualty Notification, all without the need for new hardware.
Looking forward: seizing opportunities
Looking ahead, I’m excited to announce 2iC’s participation in SOF Week 2024, where we’ll be showcasing our solution on the UK Pavilion alongside key partners. These opportunities are pivotal for SMEs like us, and our presence at events such as SOF Week underscores our commitment to seizing growth opportunities in the US defense market.
On a personal note, reconnecting with my US Marine Corps networks has proven invaluable, opening doors for 2iC and fostering meaningful collaborations. In summary, the US defense market holds vast potential for 2iC and UK SMEs willing to take the leap. As we like to say, “Connect for effect” — a mantra that encapsulates not only the benefits of our software but also the power of global business connections.
Like to know more? Email me at tom.berry@2icworld.com or call me on +44 20 8123 7479.
