The Interoperability Imperative: How Connecting the Dots Will Determine the Future of Warfare
Imagine a scenario where a radar system detects a potential threat, but the information can’t seamlessly reach the decision-makers who need it – a delay of even milliseconds could be catastrophic. This isn’t a futuristic war game; it’s the reality facing the U.S. military today, according to Shubhi Mishra, CEO and founder of Raft and a two-time Wash100 Award winner. China, she warns, is already operating as a unified machine, while the U.S. struggles with fragmented systems and slow data flow. The stakes are clear: achieving true interoperability isn’t just a technological upgrade; it’s a matter of national security.
The Disconnect: Why ‘World-Class Tech’ Isn’t Enough
The U.S. military boasts some of the most advanced technology in the world. However, Mishra argues that this technological superiority is being undermined by a fundamental flaw: a lack of seamless integration. “We’ve got world-class tech—but none of it’s connected,” she stated in a recent interview with GovCon Wire. “Data doesn’t flow. People can’t act fast enough. That’s what gets people killed.” This isn’t a matter of insufficient funding for innovation; it’s a matter of how that funding is allocated. The current system often prioritizes patching isolated systems rather than investing in a truly interconnected infrastructure.
This fragmented approach creates significant vulnerabilities. Without the ability to rapidly fuse data from multiple sources, the military is forced to rely on slower, more cumbersome processes, hindering its ability to respond effectively to evolving threats. The challenge isn’t simply about building better sensors or faster processors; it’s about creating a network where those components can communicate and collaborate in real-time.
The Rise of the “New Prime” and the Demand for Genuine Open Architecture
Traditional defense contractors often promise “open architecture,” but Mishra contends that this is frequently a false promise. “Companies…sometimes promise tech that works via open architecture, but then require ‘additional payments every time you want two systems to talk,’” she explains. This creates vendor lock-in and perpetuates the cycle of fragmentation. Raft, Mishra’s company, positions itself as a “new prime” – a provider focused on building genuinely interoperable systems from the ground up.
Interoperability, in Raft’s view, means seamless connectivity built into the core of the technology, not sold as an add-on. This requires a shift in mindset, from prioritizing individual components to focusing on the overall system. It also demands a new approach to contracting, one that incentivizes collaboration and data sharing.
Sub-200 Millisecond Sensor-to-Shooter Speeds: The Critical Threshold
The urgency of this situation is underscored by the need for “sub-200-millisecond sensor-to-shooter speeds.” Mishra emphasizes that achieving this doesn’t necessarily require entirely new hardware. Instead, it requires connecting existing assets through robust data channels. The ability to rapidly process and disseminate information is crucial for maintaining a decisive edge in modern warfare. This speed is vital for countering hypersonic threats and other rapidly evolving challenges.
Did you know? The speed of decision-making is increasingly becoming a more significant factor in military success than the raw power of weaponry. The ability to analyze data and react faster than an adversary can be the difference between victory and defeat.
The Role of AI and Data Fusion
Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a critical role in achieving these speeds. AI-powered data fusion can automatically analyze vast amounts of information from multiple sources, identifying patterns and anomalies that would be impossible for humans to detect in real-time. This allows for faster, more accurate decision-making, and ultimately, a more effective defense. Raft specializes in “agentic artificial intelligence,” which focuses on creating AI systems that can act autonomously and adapt to changing circumstances.
Raft’s [R]DP: A Proof of Concept for Interoperability
Raft’s Data Platform ([R]DP) is a tangible example of this approach in action. Designed to integrate radar feeds from the U.S. and Canada at speeds below 200 milliseconds, [R]DP is currently being utilized by the Air Force’s Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS), a key component of the Department of Defense’s Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) initiative. It’s also being used by NORAD and USNORTHCOM, demonstrating its ability to operate across diverse security environments (from IL-4 to IL-6+).
Looking Ahead: Implications for the Future of Defense
The lessons learned from Raft’s work and Mishra’s insights have broader implications for the future of defense. The U.S. military must move beyond a fragmented, siloed approach to technology and embrace a culture of interoperability. This requires:
- A Shift in Procurement: Prioritizing contracts that incentivize seamless integration and data sharing.
- Investment in Data Infrastructure: Focusing on connecting existing assets rather than solely on developing new ones.
- Embracing AI and Data Fusion: Leveraging the power of AI to analyze data and accelerate decision-making.
- Adopting True Open Architectures: Demanding genuine interoperability from defense contractors, not just promises of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CJADC2 and why is it important?
CJADC2 (Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control) is a Department of Defense initiative aimed at connecting sensors from all military branches across all domains (air, land, sea, space, and cyber) to create a unified battlespace awareness. It’s crucial for enabling faster, more informed decision-making.
What is the difference between ‘open architecture’ and ‘true interoperability’?
‘Open architecture’ often implies a system that *can* connect with others, but typically requires additional fees or custom development to actually do so. ‘True interoperability’ means systems are designed to connect seamlessly from the start, with no additional costs or barriers.
How does Raft’s approach differ from traditional defense contractors?
Raft focuses specifically on solving data integration challenges and building genuinely interoperable systems. They position themselves as a “new prime” – a provider focused on the future of warfare, rather than legacy systems.
The Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Air and Space Summit on July 31 offers a valuable opportunity to delve deeper into these critical issues. With insights from leaders like Shubhi Mishra and Gen. Michael Guetlein, this event promises to provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities facing the U.S. military in the air and space domains. What steps will the U.S. take to ensure it doesn’t fall behind? The answer lies in prioritizing interoperability and embracing a new era of connected warfare.
