RELEASED UNDER THE OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT 1982
NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE FORCE
Capability Branch
MINUTE
10081/CAP/4/2/02
10081/CAP/4/2/04
16 April 21
DCN
DCA
For Information:
ACCAP
PRECISION LOITERING MUNITION EXPERIMENTATION: REQUEST FOR
APPROVAL TO INITIATE BATTLE LAB
References: A.
DPB Naval Experimentation Opportunities – 6 Nov 20
B.
Naval Experimentation Battle Labs (Switchblade/ASV) Email from Navy Finance
Business Partner dated 12 Jan 21
C.
Naval Experimentation: Loitering Munition and Autonomous Surface Vessel
(Littoral Warfare) Request for Approval to Commit Funds (ACF) Dated 16 Dec
20.
D.
DFI 91 Chap. 14 (Previously DFO 77 Chap. 12))
E.
Joint Fires Minute 03/2020 Proposed Battle Lab (Loitering Munition), dated 16
Feb 21.
F.
DLS Minute 33 2021 of March 21
G.
DTA Force Protection Research Tasking as generated by Maritime Domain
Capability Branch, dated 11 Dec 20.
BACKGROUND
1.
Ref A outlined an opportunity to advance Naval Experimentation to inform future
capability initiatives. However guidance from NZDF finance at ref B has further
advised that the planned fiscal approach for the loitering munition from ref A will need
to be expensed in the 21/22 fiscal year as this is the planned timeframe for execution
activities. The purpose of this minute is to amend the application for funding at ref C
to approval to initiate a battle lab to explore a precision loitering munition, as part of
the Maritime and Land Experimentation plans and to be considered for funding under
the Navy and Army bids for FY21/22 respectively.
2.
Force protection remains a constant challenge across the deployed NZDF force
elements both at sea and on land. This is a current and a future challenge that needs
to be constantly analysed in line with new and emerging technologies and
capabilities. In the Maritime Domain the vulnerability of surface shipping to split axis
swarm attacks by multiple surface craft is stark. The vulnerability to attack is
compounded by the lack of long range anti-surface weaponry. In short, unless a ship
has a fully armed and airborne force protection optimised helicopter it will likely be
required to deal with multiple surface contacts at ranges of less than 1nm. Given
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these contacts may be travelling at 30-50kts it gives the ship very little chance of
successfully defending itself. s. 6(a)
A loitering munition may
help fill the gap between longer range helicopter mounted weapons and short range
close-in ship mounted weapons. With a range of up to 5nm a loitering munition would
allow for command to get ahead of the speed/time/distance mixed with command
and control (C2) problem that force protection ultimately is.
3.
Attack by fast surface craft is not just the purview of state actors and is a cheap
and accessible means of attacking shipping for non-state actors, as is being
demonstrated by Houthi rebels against Saudi Arabian shipping at the moment.
4.
In the land domain, NZDF force elements lack the ability to engage targets
beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) with organic, precise, low collateral damage
kinetic effects. Loitering munitions are a precise, low collateral damage weapon
system that can be operated by a single person. They also have the ability to be
‘waved off’ should striking the intended target become undesirable or unachievable.
Current loitering munitions available on the market have ranges and endurance
ranging from 10km and 15 minutes to 40km and 40 minutes. When operated in
conjunction with Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), loitering munitions could be a
genuine generational leap in how the Land Domain improves the sensor – shooter
link.
5.
This proposed battle lab would seek to examine the utility and viability of
loitering munitions as a weapon system in both the Maritime and Land Domains.
Image 1. The US made AeroVironment Switchblade loitering munition being
launched.
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BUSINESS JUSTIFICATION AND IMPLEMENTATION
Strategic Case
6.
A loitering munition is a small unmanned aerial system (UAS) designed to
engage targets1 BVLOS with an explosive warhead.2 They are equipped with high
resolution electro-optical and infrared camera that enables the operator to locate,
identify and direct the munition onto target. The ‘loiter’ capability of these munitions
allows the system to remain in orbit for a period of time, allowing the operator to
detect, recognise and identify (DRI) a target thoroughly before a strike. Unlike other
types of UAS, loitering munitions are not designed to be recovered after impact and
are therefore classed as munitions, not UAS.
7.
The precise application of combat power is critical to agility, operational
effectiveness and legitimacy.3 Loitering, precision munitions are widely used on the
battlefield; from countering violent extremism in the Middle East to the rec ent
conventional conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the Nagorno-Karabakh
region.
8.
s. 6(a)
.4 A loitering munition could
provide the NZDF with the ability to prosecute BVLOS targets with precise, lethal
effects5.
9.
The precise nature of the munition will reduce collateral damage for strikes in
complex human or physical terrain. Current offerings in the loitering munition market
al have ‘wave off / recommit’ capability allowing the operator to cancel an attack mid-
flight and ditch the munition harmlessly without the warhead functioning.
10. s. 6(a)
For the RNZN to be able to
continue to operate in a Pacific context the ships must have the ability to defend
themselves against the cheap and fecund threat that small boats represent.
Increasingly maritime warfare has taken on a larger ‘grey zone’ aspect with non-state
actors being able to threaten Sea Lines of Communication particularly in the littoral
area. For the maritime domain a loitering munition has the ability to be rapidly
deployed and launched from a range of RNZN vessels especially those with limited
force protection or defensive capabilities.
11. In the Land Domain the importance of a target is dependent on how it relates to
an adversary’s centre of gravity, critical capabilities, critical requirements and their
vulnerabilities, and how achieving a desired effect on the target will support the
achievement of the commander’s mission. The development of a target is the
systematic examination of the target as a system to determine the necessary type
and duration of action that must be exerted on each target to create the required
effect consistent with the commander’s objectives.6
1 A target is an entity or an object that can be subjected to an effect. ADDP 3.14.2 Targeting
Procedures. Ed 2 12 July 2018.
2 Centre for the Study of the Drone, Bard College. 2017.
3 Future Land Operating Concept 2035, Ed 2.
4 Joint Fires and Effects (Land) Concept of Employment. Dated Mar 2019.
5 In this instance neutralisation or destruction.
6 ADDP 3.14 Targeting Ed 3 2015. Para 3.14.
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12. The Joint Targeting Cycle (JTC) is a framework of six steps used to conduct
joint targeting successful y and in accordance with LOAC. It’s steps are:
a.
End State and commander’s objectives – mission, objectives, intent and
desired effects;
b.
Target development and prioritisation;
c.
Capabilities analysis – best available means to affect targets;
d.
Commander’s decision and force apportionment – apportioning forces,
weapons and capabilities to targets;
e.
Mission planning and force execution; and
f.
Targeting assessment – battle damage assessment (BDA), weapons
effectiveness assessment (WEA) collateral damage assessment and
future targeting recommendations.7
13. NZDF experimentation with precision loitering munitions will provide an
additional capability during the ‘capabilities analysis’ phase of the targeting cycle. It
will provide familiarity with a low collateral damage munition option and with its
precise nature, increase the likihood of a ‘first round hit,’ thus reducing the
requirement for target re-engagement.
Image 2. A US marine launches a Switchblade loitering munition.
7 Ibid.
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Scope
14. A representative, operationally proven loitering munition that is in-service with or
under investigation by FVEY or NATO partners will be used. It must have the ability
to integrate with existing and future RNZN/NZDF battle management, command and
control, and ISR cueing ystems.
15. The experimentation will be conducted in a combined effort between RNZN and
NZ Army. As a result, the execution of the experimentation activities will occur at
Waiouru Military Training Area including on Lake Maowhango, and aboard RNZN
vessels in a designated Military Operating Area (likely M204). Alternative land trials
may be conducted at Kaipara Air Weapons range. Although the two services
envisage different uses for the weapon the combined nature of the battle lab will
allow for synergies to be achieved in training, target procurement and logistics.
16. The intent is to procure only inert munitions. This configuration will provide the
ability to test fire a number of recoverable inert munitions to explore the integration
and command and control requirements of operating such a capability. The multiple
number of inert munitions will provide redundancy for damage or loss. Inert munitions
will be recovered by a net to be constructed on the target platform for maritime and
land based firings. The primary target platform for maritime trials is recommended to
be the Typhoon target and provision has been made in the indicative budget to build
a purpose built target net for the land based trials.
17. The experimentation will explore the command and control aspects of deploying
a loitering munition as opposed to the specific kinetic effect. This will allow NZDF to
understand the implications in heightened threat environment (such as straits transits
and restricted waterways) rules of engagement, third party cueing launch command,
munition wave off command, re engage, and then effect on target. It will also allow
the exploration of how a weapon of this type fits in as part of a layered approach to
single and multi-axis threats.
18. For the purposes of training to operate the inert loitering munition only, the
vendor may be able to offer remote training. This will reduce the burden on
quarantine facilities and the need to travel.
19. Dependent on the loitering munition vendor that is selected, there is a possibility
to include within the scope of this activity an unmanned teaming serial with the
Littoral Warfare UAV, or NZ Army UAS under experimentation. This would allow
sensor to shooter software to be explored. This software enables the UAS to seek
out targets and cue the loitering munition onto target, effectively extending sensor-
shooter cueing out to 20+ km.
20. For the at sea phase of this battle lab a RNZN Fleet Unit will be required for at
least 2 days. It must be aviation capable, and have the ability to lay and retrieve the
target/net. Execution will be scheduled for early 2022.
Legal
21. A legal opinion has been sought from NZDF Legal as to legality of NZDF’s use
of a loitering precision munition. This was submitted at ref E which seeks specific
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endorsement for experimentation with these munitions and subsequentlt endorsed at
ref F.
NZDF Air, Land and Sea Worthiness
22. The current understanding for the inert training vehicle is that this becomes an
airworthiness case as the vehicle is recoverable and reusable. This will require an
approved UASOP from NZDF airworthiness authority and will need to be operated
under the current flying management system by a trained NZDF operatror.
23. For future live munition experimentation, range planning and live exercise
proceedures IAW other NZDF indirect fire weapon system planning paramaters will
be utilised as a start point. .
Communications Plan
24. To manage the perception of NZDF’s use of a precision loitering munition DPA
will be engaged to manage a communications plan and any media interest which
may occur during the conduct of the battle lab.
Image 3. The Warmate loitering munition made by WB Electronics of Poland.
Objectives
25. Objectives of the precision loitering munition experimentation:
a.
To explore the feasibility of a loitering munition as a force protection
weapon across RNZN Fleet Units with global reach but limited force
protection capabilities.
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b.
Understand the command and control implications of, detecting, identifying
targeting, engaging, waving off and re engaging with a Loitering Munition
to prosecute BLOS targets with precise, lethal effects.
c.
Explore the integration requirements with existing and future NZDF
cueing/targeting systems.
d.
Understand the PRICIE implications of introducing into service a loitering
precision munition.
Benefits
26. Experimentation of the loitering munition will enable the NZDF to develop both
force protection equipment acquisition and develop tactical procedures for such a
weapon. The work done will feed into the recently commissioned DTA Force
Protection Study and FVEY TTCP working groups.
Costs
27. This approval to initiate a battle lab request covers the delivery of the following
equipment/services from each respective single service in FY 21/22:
Item
Cost (Fx)
Cost (NZ$)
LOITERING MUNITIONS
3 x Inert training Vehicles (estimated cost only not quoted yet)
s. 9(2)(j)
1 x Fire Control unit (2018 quote +2%)
Optional: Sensor 2 shooter software8 (estimate only not quoted
yet)
Training/ Hosting in NZ
Target fabrication NZ costs only (AAL Support)
Project Management
Contingency
Total s. 9(2)(j)
(NZ$)
28. Publicly available exchange rates for Dec 2020 have been used to convert the
Fx into NZ$.
29. Approval to initiate a battle lab will endorse the submission of a bid s. 9(2)(j) to
come from 21/22 OPEX from each respective service.
Operating Costs
30. There are no on-going operating costs associated with this purchase. If the
results of this experimentation are determinative of a capability need, then an
amendment to the relevant CMP will be made, and a project initiated.
8 The Sensor 2 Shooter capability is only compatible with Switchblade and PUMA UAS, both made by
US vendor AeroVironment
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Experimentation Resources
31. The following key personnel resources are confirmed as being available to
conduct the battle lab:
Role
Person
When
Joint Experimentation
Mr Colin Moore
Est 0.3 FTE for 1 year
Manager (M)
Joint Experimentation
Mr Hayden Robinson
Est 0.3 FTE for 1 year
Manager (L)
1 x DTA per
s. 9(2)(a)
Est 0.2 FTE for 3 months
Milestones and Timelines
32. The following key milestones and timeline will apply to the battle lab:
Milestone
Start
End Date Approving Authority
Date
AIP (endorsement for planning)
Jun 21
DCN/DCA
GPAB Precision Loitering
TBC 21
DCS/DCN/DCA
Munitions/Programme of Work
approved
Inert Loitering Munitions shipped
TBC
DMMG
Training Remote/Off Shore
TBC
DMD/DLD
Loitering Munition land based trial
Mar 22
DMD/DLD
Loitering Munition sea based trial
Mar 22
DMD/DLD
Reporting Loitering Munitions
May 22
DMD/DLD
Loitering Munitions ITV Disposal
Jun 22
DMD/DLD
Experimentation Complete
Jun 22
DMD/DLD
Implementing the Experimentation
33. Battle lab activities will be managed via existing experimentation processes.
This includes the development of a programme of work for the battle lab which
clearly articulates the scope, research questions and methodology for this
experimentation campaign. The programme of work is to be approved by DMD/DLD
DCA/DCN and key support stakeholders. Within the programme of work
experimentation activities will be governed through the issue of experimentation
special trial orders. These will dictate the conduct and procedures for each activity
and include the risk management plan for that specific activity.
34. The remaining assets on completion of the experimentation will be disposed of
in accordance with ref D. This can be achieved through destruction as a default or
through an arrangement with the vendor to return any remaining assets.
Risks
35. There are number of risks to achieving the objectives of this battle lab:
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a.
COVID19 a further severe outbreak domestically or internationally is likely
to significantly impact the timeframes for these activities. The addition of
further border restrictions as of 15 Jan 21 and the emergent mutant
COVID 19 strain will further impact achievability. These factors will also
significantly impact training options and shipping timelines.
b.
Export Licence and FMS process timeframes, these processes take time
and will require extended timeframes to complete. A formal quote for
loitering munitions via the NZ Embassy in Washington is still outstanding.
c.
ITAR: this will impact access to loitering munitions and is another layer of
process to negotiate.
RECOMMENDATIONS
36. It is recommended that DCN and DCA:
a.
note that funding s. 9(2)(j) from each respective service has been
requested to be considered in the 21/22 Navy/Army OPEX budget;
b.
note the CONEMPs and DTA research tasking support the
experimentation and the results will be used to support capability
development contributing to force protection of naval vessels and joint
fires effects;
c.
note that procurement will be through FMS and DCS processes;
d.
endorse the submission s. 9(2)(j) bid from each respective single service
in the 21/22 bid, in accordance with Ref D, to enable loitering munition
experimentation; and
e.
approve the initiation of a battle lab to explore the utility of loitering
precision munitions as a force protection weapon in both the maritime and
land domains.
K.Thompson
G. Golding
COL
CAPT, RNZN
Director Land Domain
Director Maritime Domain
