Clarification of terms
GhostPlay
The seed to what today is known as our Defense Metaverse.
Metaverse generally
A virtual space in which people interact with avatars / software agents.
Defense Metaverse
Highly realistic virtual twin of the battlefield. Interactive and AI-controlled twins of military platforms, systems and system networks are integrated with this simulation environment. Based on their performance profiles, the tactical operation principles are honed with the help of AI. The Defense Metaverse stems from GhostPlay and transitions research into a real product.
Ghost...
This word stands for the virtual twin of the battlefield.
...Play
This word stands for AI-controlled virtual platforms at the virtual battlefield which make tactical decisions in complex operational scenarios where the situational picture / data base is usually incomplete.
Value Based Engineering (VBE)
GhostPlay integrates legal and ethical considerations from the outset. The basis here is primarily the ISO/IEC/IEEE 24748-7000:2022 standard.
What does it do? Three answers
Surprises and speed up
The ubiquity of sensors, the transparency of the battlefield and the reach of weapon systems lead to an operational stalemate and the return of trench warfare. Third Wave AI can develop surprising tactics at machine speed.
Protects vital interests
Houthi militias and pirates are threatening the supply lines of the global logistics network. Third Wave AI can control and demonstrate attacking red teams at sea, developing counter tactics to deter and defend in international waters.
Detects mis-conduct early
How will defense AI systems behave at the battlefield? Do we like what we see at the Defense Metaverse, or don't we? If the latter is true, we are still early in the process to fix legal and ethical flaws through Value-based Engineering.
Why use it? User's benefits
Develop to tactical versatility
In the metaverse, military systems under development can be tested more quickly than in lengthy physical field trials. Design flaws can be detected more quickly.
Achieve greater efficiency
AI-controlled tactics can save money when increasing the survivability of platforms through their integration with an AI kernel.
Achieve greater effectiveness
AI-controlled tactics can support operators to more optimally execute missions. This increases the probability of achieving one's own objectives even under uncertainty and incomplete data.
Achieve greater exploitability
With the help of the AI, vulnerabilities in the opponent's tactics or force dispositif can be recognised and exploited more quickly.
Use less human operators
Personnel is scarce and the most valuable asset in defense. Personnel freed up by tactical AI can be channelled into more effective roles. The armed forces become less "top-heavy" and more agile because the human players can concentrate on the essential issues.
Gain
more robustness
Less information and instructions have to pass through fewer (command) instances on less centralised communication channels with less delay. The command and control of troops will be less susceptible to large-scale disruptions of communication channels.
The principle of subsidiarity is strengthened.
The path to the future 2025/26
GhostPlay@sea
A development in line with the Marine 2035+ concept paper and "Deutscher Aufbau- und Resilienzplan" (DARP).
Learning AI-controlled maritime tactics
Transfering AI tactics trained for the land domain to the field of application under, on and above the sea.
Extending to multi-domain operations
Can space, air and land/sea cooperate to detect and track a target, without disclosing own positions too early? Let's test with the virtual twins first.
Swarming
Controlling cross-domain and largely autonomous swarms (e.g. sea drones in combination with UAVs*).
Protecting against adversarial swarms
Using non-traditional red teaming and counter play methods to develop defense against adversarial swarms.
Supporting capability development
Helping to define specifications of new systems to be procured or to upgrade existing systems in their combat value.
GhostPlay@sea enjoys a larger team
BCR AG
Borchert Consulting & Research is a strategic affairs consulting boutique. BCR engages in conflict analysis and scenario development to assess current and future military requirements that inform GhostPlay.
21strategies
21strategies is a Munich-based deep-tech company with the mission to transform how organizations make strategic and tactical decisions. To aim at their mission, 21strategies develops and operates Third Wave AI for optimal decision-making in complex, uncertain situations at machine speed. For more information, visit 21strategies.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
Atlas Elektronik
A high-tech company of German origin for the navy. Atlas provides expertise and technical contributions for sensors, effectors and unmanned systems in the surface and underwater domain as well as experience in the development of analytical simulations.
Helmut Schmidt University
With the Defense AI Observatory (DAIO), Helmut Schmidt University // Uni Bw Hamburg has established an area of AI competence under the responsibility of Professor Dr. Gary Schaal. The latest scientific research results about the use of Defense AI globally ensure that GhostPlay AI models are based on observable reality.
NATO's Center of Excellence for Operations in Confined and Shallow Waters (COE CSW)
...supports with operational specifications and scenarios.
Rheinmetall Electronics
Rheinmetall is a well-known "big player" in the defense sector and complements the consortium with expertise in the fields of surface effectors, protection systems, unmanned aerial systems and ammunition.
HENSOLDT Sensors
Long-standing specialist for sensor technology HENSOLDT Sensors contributes their expertise and sensor models to GhostPlay.
The sensor models provided serve as a basis for realistic AI tactics – at machine speed.
GhostPlay is supported by:
