Lockheed Martin has secured a prototype agreement with the U.S. Army to develop the Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) system. This initiative is part of the Army’s broader modernization strategy to integrate artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and multi-domain capabilities into battlefield command infrastructure. The award marks a pivotal step toward achieving Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) goals across U.S. services.
NGC2: A Cornerstone of Future Multi-Domain Operations
The NGC2 program is designed to deliver a highly interoperable, data-centric command-and-control capability that can operate across all domains—land, air, sea, space, and cyber. It aims to replace or augment legacy systems by incorporating real-time sensor fusion, automated decision aids powered by AI/ML algorithms, and secure communications tailored for contested environments.
According to Lockheed Martin’s press release on January 30, 2024, the company will develop a prototype that leverages its existing investments in open architecture frameworks such as the Open Mission Systems (OMS) standard and Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA). These standards are critical enablers of rapid integration with third-party sensors and effectors from across the joint force.
NGC2 is also expected to serve as a key enabler for Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2), the Pentagon-wide effort to link sensors from all services into a unified network. The U.S. Army’s implementation of JADC2 is being driven through projects like Project Convergence and Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node (TITAN), both of which are likely to interface with or be informed by NGC2 development.
Contract Structure and Technical Scope
The Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement was awarded through the Consortium Management Group on behalf of the Consortium for Command, Control and Communications in Cyberspace (C5). OTAs are used by DoD components for rapid prototyping outside traditional Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)-based contracting mechanisms.
While financial terms were not disclosed publicly at time of writing, OTA awards typically range from several million to tens of millions USD depending on scope. Lockheed Martin will develop an initial prototype over an unspecified period with potential follow-on phases depending on performance metrics during testing.
The technical objectives include:
- Developing an open-architecture C2 software suite capable of ingesting data from diverse ISR assets
- Integrating AI/ML algorithms for automated decision support
- Ensuring compatibility with existing tactical networks including Link-16 and future SATCOM architectures
- Demonstrating operational utility in simulated multi-domain scenarios
Building on Existing Programs Like TITAN and Project Convergence
This award builds upon Lockheed Martin’s ongoing work under programs like TITAN—a mobile ground station designed to fuse data from terrestrial sensors with space-based ISR assets—and its participation in Project Convergence exercises since 2020.
TITAN aims to provide commanders with real-time targeting data using AI-enabled analytics at the tactical edge. The convergence between TITAN’s edge-processing capabilities and NGC2’s broader C2 functions suggests that Lockheed may pursue architectural commonality or shared modules between systems—particularly in areas like data fusion engines or user interfaces.
In Project Convergence 2023 trials at Yuma Proving Ground, Lockheed demonstrated multi-domain interoperability using its DIAMONDShield battle management system alongside other service platforms. Lessons learned from these exercises are expected to feed directly into NGC2 design iterations.
Industry Competition Reflects Strategic Importance
The NGC2 contract was awarded under competitive solicitation via C5 consortium channels. While full details on competitors remain undisclosed due to OTA confidentiality norms, industry observers suggest that other major defense primes—including Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Technologies (RTX), L3Harris Technologies—may have submitted proposals leveraging their own C4ISR portfolios.
This reflects growing industry emphasis on modularity-driven C4ISR solutions aligned with JADC2 imperatives. The Department of Defense has repeatedly emphasized that no single vendor will own end-to-end JADC2 architecture; instead it seeks interoperable modules that can be rapidly fielded across combatant commands.
A Focus on Interoperability Standards
A key discriminator in such competitions is adherence to open standards like OMS/UCI (Universal Command Interface), STITCHES middleware developed by DARPA for rapid API translation between disparate systems, as well as NATO-standard protocols such as Link-16 or Variable Message Format (VMF).
Cybersecurity Considerations Embedded from Outset
The NGC2 architecture must also meet stringent cybersecurity requirements under DoD Zero Trust mandates. Lockheed has indicated it will embed cyber-resilience features—including behavior-based intrusion detection systems—into early prototypes rather than retrofitting them post-development.
Toward Operational Fielding: What Comes Next?
The current phase focuses on prototyping only; however if successful in demonstrations scheduled over FY2024–FY2025 timeframes—including lab-based evaluations followed by live-force experimentation—NGC2 could transition into an official Program of Record within PEO C3T or PEO IEW&S portfolios by FY2026–FY2027.
This would position it as a central node within future U.S. Army command post architectures such as CPCE (Command Post Computing Environment) or even replace elements within AFATDS where appropriate.
Integration Pathways Across Services
If proven effective at scale during joint exercises such as Global Information Dominance Experiments (GIDE) or Northern Edge wargames, components of NGC2 could be adopted beyond Army use—potentially influencing USAF Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) or Navy Project Overmatch architectures through shared middleware layers or common data fabrics.
Export Potential Under Consideration?
No formal announcements have been made regarding Foreign Military Sales opportunities; however given NATO interest in multi-domain operations interoperability—as evidenced by multinational participation in JADC-Focused exercises—it is plausible that exportable variants could emerge under ITAR-compliant configurations post-Milestone B approval stages.
Conclusion: A Strategic Bet on Modular C4ISR Evolution
The Lockheed-led NGC2 effort represents more than just another command-and-control software package—it is part of a systemic shift toward agile battle management rooted in open standards, AI acceleration tools, cyber resilience-by-design principles, and seamless joint-force connectivity. As peer adversaries enhance their own sensor-to-shooter kill chains via hypersonics or electronic warfare advances, maintaining decision superiority through advanced C4ISR becomes not just advantageous—but existentially necessary for U.S. forces operating globally under contested conditions.
