Nato’s transition to so-called ‘multi-domain operations’ (MDO) marks a profound change in how the alliance approaches command and control. That may sound like just another military buzzword – but its impact on the bloc’s future strategy is actually substantial. After all, the transformation represents a fundamental change in how military operations are planned, executed and managed across the alliance. To truly grasp the significance of this shift, it’s therefore essential to look beyond the theory, and understand its practical implications for military operations.
Historically, Nato’s command and control structure has been heavily reliant on a commander-centric model. “The traditional approach to C2 (command and control) has been focused on exercising the authority of an operating commander over the assigned forces in order to achieve the desired operational goal,” explains Brigadier General Jarmo Vähätiitto, chief of the C5 Division at the Finnish Defence Command. This approach has been the bedrock of military leadership for decades, ensuring a clear chain of command and centralised decision-making and, stresses Vähätiitto, this certainly remains valid. Yet the evolving nature of warfare, and the introduction of new technologies, have necessitated a shift away from this traditional model.
By 2030, Nato’s digital transformation intends to facilitate multi-domain operations: ensuring interoperability, heightened situational awareness and data-driven decision-making. At root, this shift reflects a broader recognition of the complexities inherent in modern warfare. Unlike traditional conflicts, which often occurred within well-defined domains – land, sea, air – the contemporary battlefield is far more fluid and interconnected. The rise of cyberwarfare, space-based operations and the increasing importance of information warfare, have all blurred the lines between these domains, creating a need for a more integrated and flexible approach to military operations.
“In military operations,” Vähätiitto explains, “changes occur as near-real-time and reliable information flows from the operational environment, creating a detailed common operating picture.” In practice, meanwhile, the introduction of new technology is crucial in enabling this new approach, facilitating the deployment of mobile command posts, allowing for faster and more reliable communication between units – and ultimately enabling commanders to make more informed decisions.
One of the most significant developments in this area is the deployment of 5G technology. In 2023, for instance, Nato signed an agreement allowing member nations to assess 5G capabilities at Latvia’s test site through virtual and augmented reality, unmanned vehicles and sensors. This focus makes sense: compared with 4G, 5G offers higher-speed connectivity, lower latency and greater capacity, all of which are critical for modern military operations. This enhanced connectivity provides troops on the ground with more actionable intelligence, allowing them to respond more quickly and effectively to emerging threats.
The integration of AI into command-and-control systems is another key aspect of Nato’s transformation. AI-driven systems can analyse vast amounts of data in real time, providing commanders with actionable insights that help streamline decision-making processes. This capability is particularly valuable in multi-domain operations, where the ability to rapidly process and act on information from various sources is crucial. By leveraging AI, Nato forces can coordinate actions across land, sea, air, space and cyber domains more effectively, enhancing their overall operational effectiveness.
Practical shifts
The integration of advanced technologies into command-and-control systems is at the heart of Nato’s shift towards multi-domain operations. Platforms like AI aren’t merely add-ons to existing systems – but rather are becoming central to how military operations are conducted. “As technology develops, we need to be ready to adopt and take advantage,” is how Vähätiitto puts it. This readiness to embrace technological innovation is critical for Nato to maintain its strategic advantage in an increasingly complex and contested global environment.
One of the most promising practical examples here is how AI can enhance situational awareness. Among other things, AI can process and analyse data from a wide range of sources, including satellite imagery, drone feeds and social media, to provide a comprehensive picture of the operational environment. By way of example, consider Pearson Engineering’s drone-based threat solution. Following a successful trial with Nato, the British firm’s ‘Threat-Sense’ system uses AI and synthetic threat libraries to detect anti-tank and antipersonnel mines, before passing this information back to the operators. This enhanced situational awareness allows commanders to make more informed decisions, improving the overall effectiveness of military operations. Big data is another key component of Nato’s practical technological transformation. By leveraging big data analytics, the alliance can identify patterns and trends that might otherwise go unnoticed, providing valuable insights into enemy movements, supply chain vulnerabilities and other critical factors. This information can then be used to inform strategic planning and operational decision-making, ensuring that Nato forces are always one step ahead of their adversaries.
2030
The target year for Nato’s digital transformation, facilitating multi-domain operations, ensuring interoperability, heightened situational awareness and data-driven decisionmaking.
Nato
Significant hurdles
While the benefits of multi-domain operations are clear, implementing these capabilities across Nato is not without its challenges. One of the most significant hurdles is the integration of new technologies into existing command and control structures. This isn’t merely a technical question, but also a matter of organisational know-how. Ensuring that different systems can work together seamlessly requires a deep understanding of both the operational environment and the technological capabilities at hand.
“These technologies will add tremendous value to planning and executing operations,” Vähätiitto adds. “The main challenges lie in the reliability of new implementations and building trust in new capabilities. Time is always required for cultural change in organisations.” This cultural change, it goes without saying, is critical for ensuring that military personnel at all levels are prepared to operate in the new environment created by multi-domain operations.
Integrating new technologies also requires a robust appreciation of the operational requirements of each member state. That’s echoed by the need for continuous education and training for military personnel. As Nato shifts towards multi-domain operations, it is essential that personnel at all levels are trained to operate in this new environment. This includes not only technical training on new systems but also education on the strategic and operational implications of multi-domain operations.
If, moreover, technology plays a crucial role in Nato’s shift towards multi-domain operations, officers equally have to appreciate what their end goals actually are. “The driving force must be the desired operational capabilities and effects.” Vähätiitto says. To put it differently, the successful adoption of multi-domain operations will depend not only on technological advancements – but also on the ability of military leaders to adapt their strategies and doctrines to these new realities.
11%
The percentage increase of total Nato defence spending in 2024, compared to 3% in 2023.
IISS
“Transformation in military operations is not focused solely on technology,” Vähätiitto adds. “It always begins with humans and the adoption of new ways to operate.” Traditional hierarchical structures, which have long been the foundation of military organisations, may not be well-suited to the demands of multi-domain operations. Instead, there is a growing recognition of the need for a more decentralised approach, where decision-making authority is distributed across different levels of the organisation. By empowering troops on the ground with greater autonomy, Nato can ensure that its forces are better equipped to respond to the rapidly changing conditions of the modern battlefield.
Multi-domain warfare
As Nato continues to evolve its command-and-control capabilities, the focus will increasingly be on achieving seamless integration across all domains of warfare. This will require a combination of technological innovation, organisational adaptation and doctrinal changes. “Successful modern MDO operations are based on efficient and appropriate C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems,” Vähätiitto explains. “The incorporation of several capabilities focusing on united goals requires seamless understanding and integration of military operations – this is achieved by effective C2.” The goal is to create a command-and-control system that fully exploits the opportunities offered by new technologies while remaining resilient against potential adversary threats.
In the long term, the success of Nato’s shift to multi-domain operations will depend on the alliance’s ability to foster collaboration among its member states, share expertise and develop a unified approach to the challenges of modern warfare. Vähätiitto simplifies this into five core messages: effective data exploitation; continuous education; capability acceleration; integration of technologies and systems; and balancing doctrinal changes with technological opportunities. Focusing on these areas will ensure that Nato’s forces are prepared to meet the demands of future conflicts and maintain their strategic advantage on the global stage.
Ultimately, Nato’s move towards multi-domain operations represents a paradigm shift in how the alliance conducts military operations. By embracing this change, Nato is positioning itself to better respond to the complexities of contemporary warfare, ensuring that it remains a formidable force in the years to come.
