Out on the high seas, a suspicious target is speeding away in a motorboat. Picking up the dubious movement, a surface vessel operator springs into action.
An aquatic cat-and-mouse chase commences, as both boats engage in a high-stakes game of dangerous manoeuvres. The slightest mistake could spell disaster in the form of a collision or a capsize.
But no matter what happens, the surface vessel operator will be out of harm’s way – all thanks to the Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) doing the actual pursuit. The operator, on the other hand, is controlling it remotely from the comforts of a fully air-conditioned Operator Control Station.
This is only made possible because of the autonomous boat’s high-tech features. Its VENUS Artificial Intelligence technology harnesses both radar and visual inputs, giving the boat elaborate multi-perception and precise navigation capabilities.
The fully-secure setup can be rapidly dispatched out in open sea round the clock, ready to dispel any threats with just a command. It is a win-win situation: no lives are endangered and security measures are bolstered.
The USV is one example of how digital technologies have played a key role in enhancing our defence capabilities in recent years. But it does not stop there – more needs to be done. In an age rife with tension between global superpowers and in the face of new online threats, our best option lies in addressing these challenges with innovative methods of digitalisation.
ST Engineering’s array of digital-forward products can help better safeguard forces on the frontline when the situation calls for it. With digitalisation and innovation forming the twin engines of our product development, these technologies will provide a timely boost in strengthening our defence capabilities.
Better soldiers, connected battleground
Virtual technologies have proven to be highly effective in sharpening a soldier’s combat skills.
For instance, at the range, the Smarts Marksmanship Analysis System tracks eye movement with sensors embedded in the system’s eyewear whenever a soldier makes a shot. Instructors can then collect and analyse this data in real time, using the information to identify and rectify any error that the shooter has made.
Beyond improving individual soldiering skillsets, digitalisation has also enabled ground forces to form more cohesive and efficient fighting units by enhancing communication out on the missions.
With more high-tech machinery being deployed these days, the increasing amount of data generated has also created a demand for high-speed communication networks. In turn, there are now solutions available through a wide range of versatile equipment.
The Vehicular Integrated Communication System (VICS) is a prime example. Able to operate perfectly in harsh tactical environments, these versatile, shock-resistant integrated communication units can be used in land-based tactical vehicles or smaller marine vessels.
The VICS’ advanced processor unit promises high-speed connectivity and efficient power management. This means that tactical armoured vehicles are now able to support the vast amount of data gathered while operating in tactical environments. Soldiers can even communicate with each other via video calls.
Mounting a virtual defence
It is, however, not enough to simply boost our physical defences. In this digital age, we will also need to shore up our cybersecurity measures against the growing threat of cyber attacks. Cybercrime is a lucrative business, with companies willing to pay millions in ransom for stolen data.
The COVID-19 pandemic has only served to accelerate this danger. The trend of working remotely has led to a tsunami of information exchange and valuable transactions happening online. While this has improved convenience, the enhanced interconnectivity within the network has also made cybercrime easier.
There are preventive measures that we can put in place. For instance, ST Engineering has implemented data diodes to protect networks from network-based cyber-attacks. These are hardware devices with unidirectional security gateways that enable the safe, one-way transfer of data between two networks. With no way back into the system, this prevents hacking while also drastically reducing the possibility of data leakage.
File transfers can be further protected by implementing a File Cleansing Solution (FCS), which prevents malware injects to data archival networks. With the combination of both FCS and data diodes, the line of defence against cyber-attacks is significantly enhanced. When it comes to national security, nothing should be left to chance. Digitalisation and innovation will be the key enablers in improving our defences to deal with new and emerging threats – both in the physical and online fronts.
