Sensor Fusion and the Common Operating Picture
The Intelligence Architecture Required for Effective C-UAS Integration Across Echelons
This paper assesses the intelligence architecture required for effective C-UAS integration across echelons: the sensor modalities, data transport, fusion, track management, and common C2 frameworks that transform discrete detection events into actionable, cross-domain kill chains.
It examines the structural failure of bespoke, siloed sensor networks; draws on Ukraine’s GIS Arta and Kropyva software as a model of architecture-driven speed; evaluates the GAO-documented CJADC2 framework gaps that limit joint data sharing; and analyzes JIATF 401’s effort to build a common C2 network — proposing a layered architecture spanning the tactical through strategic levels.
- Bespoke, siloed sensor networks are the structural failure mode; they cannot form cross-domain kill chains.
- Ukraine’s GIS Arta and Kropyva demonstrate architecture-driven speed over hardware advantage.
- GAO (GAO-25-106454, Apr 2025) documents CJADC2 framework gaps that limit joint C-UAS data sharing.
- JIATF 401 is building a common C2 network and data marketplace (IOC Feb 2026).
- The paper proposes a layered intelligence architecture from the tactical edge to the strategic level.
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