The communications workshops focused on the operation of BMS-class software (Battlefield Management Systems) were held from February 13 to 23, 2023, at the 9th Command Support Brigade in Białobrzegi, organized by the P-6 SG WP Command and Control Directorate.
Their aim was to present the potential and the level of progress achieved by industry and the Ministry of National Defence in the areas of data sanitization, the possibilities for use and cooperation with inter-system gateways, and to familiarize participants with the degree of implementation of key BMS software functionalities. The workshops included active participation only from domestic BMS software producers and representatives of organizational units of the Ministry of National Defence.
KenBIT’s solution fit into all the planned scenarios, within which we developed brigade- and battalion-level command posts.
Using the KenBIT system, we could observe how commanders at different echelons—from platoon up to division—receive battlefield situation information:
The most important functionality is the current tactical situation picture using the DEM (Data Exchange Mechanism) information-exchange protocol of the MIP (Multilateral Interoperability Programme), as well as the ability to track the location of friendly forces using BFT family protocols (Blue Force Tracking), including NFFI (NATO Friendly Force Information) and FFI (Friendly Force Identification).
The position of objects on KenBIT’s digital map layers updates automatically, building battlefield situational awareness—helping us avoid friendly-fire incidents. Another core functionality of the KenBIT system is the tactical chat for rapid exchange of text messages. Through narrowband radio communications, we can transmit information between units within the tactical formation (at battalion or brigade level), e.g., notifying the entire formation about an air-attack alert and its cancellation.
The system enables reporting and submitting information about the enemy, sending messages related to artillery support (Call for Fire format), and dispatching MEDEVAC messages (9-line) to inform about the need to evacuate the wounded from the battlefield. KenBIT’s IT system can exchange all theatre-of-operations information, providing an information advantage in today’s battlefield.
As part of the workshops, KenBIT representatives presented a solution that can be successfully deployed at the brigade command post, enabling data transfer down to battalion level via narrowband communication means, and at battalion level while exchanging information within that tactical formation.
KenBIT’s inter-system gateway allows selective information exchange using the DEM protocol from the MIP programme. The user interface makes it possible to display transmitted information and selectively assign it to chosen directions. This is a highly useful capability for consciously sharing information on the battlefield according to the “need-to-know/justified knowledge” principle for a given line of action.
The KenBIT solution presented meets all the functional requirements of BMS-class software.
As part of the workshops, participants could see in action the battalion-level combat-management system components (SZWSB) under the ROSOMAK BMS programme, which is in the final stage of procurement by the Polish Armed Forces.
During the workshops, KenBIT also presented its solution to invited military guests—the KenBIT booth attracted strong interest, enabling direct exchange of experience. We are very grateful to all visitors, and we look forward to your presence at the next edition of the workshops.