The NATO M&S COE working on the ELMO project in COVI Joint Operation Center - Rome - Italian Ministry of Defence

This project project called “ELMO” (Electromagnetic Layer for Multi-domain Operations), aims to create a synthetic environment for EMSO (ElectroMagnetic Spectrum Operations).

The electromagnetic operating environment is an essential element in order to understand and conduct future military operations, where the use and interconnection of complex systems assumes a significant value for obtaining an operational advantage. The transversal characteristic of the electromagnetic operating environment permeates the military scenario in a multi-domain perspective and, therefore, the understanding and management of these physical aspects is fundamental. The NATO Modeling & Simulation Center of Excellence (M&S CoE) is conducting a project called “ELMO” (Electromagnetic Layer for Multi-domain Operations), which aims to create a synthetic environment for EMSO (ElectroMagnetic Spectrum Operations) definition and management. In this context, M&S is a fundamental technology that expresses versatility characteristics for the implementation of electromagnetic scenarios, able to virtually characterize the electronic component and make visible things that, in a real environment, are not directly perceived by our senses, although they have an impact on scenario’s dimensions and domains. This factor would not only foster the awareness connected to the characteristics of the electromagnetic spectrum, but also improve the characterization of the technical, operational and information impacts that electronic assets provide within the context of Electronic Warfare.

In summary, the project aims to create synthetic simulation environments that dynamically reproduce the electromagnetic component of the objects modeled and defined within a synthetic dimension. The potential applications of the ELMO project are listed below:

  • Creation of scenarios for the study of interoperability and of electromagnetic threat for evaluation of respective countermeasures;
  • Simulation of operational scenarios for force protection simulation and concept/capability development of gap filler systems;
  • Understanding of the main electromagnetic impacts in support of the operational structure and for military intelligence purposes, in terms of information support for Electronic Warfare.

The operational benefit of the project will be huge, since it will be possible to analyze the future theatre electromagnetic spectrum and prepare/adapt the deployed systems behavior. The virtual and simulated context is a crucial point for enhancing both concept and capability development process and electromagnetic mission rehearsal approach.

Written by Cap. Salvatore De Mattia & Lt. Col. Cristoforo Russo – NATO M&S COE

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The NATO Modelling & Simulation Centre of Excellence is dedicated to the promotion of Modelling & Simulation in support of operational requirements, training and interoperability. The Centre act as a catalyst for transformation through the involvement of NATO, governments, academia, industry, operational and training entities, by improving the networking of NATO and nationally owned Modelling & Simulation systems, the cooperation between Nations and organizations through the sharing of Modelling & Simulation information and developments and serving as an international source of expertise for transformation in the related domain. https://www.mscoe.org

NATO Centres of Excellence are nationally or multi-nationally funded institutions accredited by NATO. They train and educate leaders and specialists from NATO member and partner countries, assist in doctrine development, identify lessons learned, improve interoperability and capabilities, and test and validate concepts through experimentation. They offer recognized expertise and experience that is of benefit to the Alliance and support the transformation of NATO, while avoiding the duplication of assets, resources and capabilities already present within the NATO command structure. Although not part of the NATO command structure, they are part of a wider framework supporting NATO Command Arrangements. [source https://www.act.nato.int/centres-of-excellence]