The U.S. Air Force hosted a demonstration of its Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS), a digital battle network system designed to collect, process, and share data among U.S. and allied forces in real-time. The ABMS has previously undergone several tests, including a live-fire exercise earlier this year conducted with data and communications provided, in part, by SpaceX Starlink satellites, and this is the second demonstration.

The demo included use of multiple distributed sensors to detect and shoot down mock Russian cruise missiles. The system involves 5G and 4G networks, cloud computing systems, and AI systems to provide situational awareness. Another phase of the demonstration focused on ability to move forces around the country under the evolving concept of agile combat employment.

This involved using new technologies to scramble a security convoy to protect Nellis AFB in Nevada — including the ability to track individual soldiers and sailors. It also involved robot dogs built by Ghost Robotics for perimeter defense. 

This ABMS demonstration was a joint experiment, involving 65 government teams including the Coast Guard, 35 separate military platforms, and 70 different industry partners. The exercise spanned 30 different geographic locations and four national test ranges.