Resource Optimization for Battle Management

The U.S. DoD has made ballistic missile defense a top priority. In response, MDA is developing a layered ballistic missile defense system (BMDS). A key requirement for this system is a global battle manager that efficiently and effectively coordinates the actions of the component sensors and weapon systems, and rapidly provides operators with engagement solutions. This is a significant challenge because of the close coupling that exists between battle management (BM) and sensor resource management (SRM). In this Phase II effort, we propose to develop an optimization-based global battle management algorithm that coordinates the actions of BMDS sensors and weapon systems, to maximize surviving assets while minimizing expended defense resources. The battle manager will (i) account for system coupling by operating in conjunction with the sensor resource manager, (ii) consider the unique capabilities of each asset, (iii) address the stochastic nature of the underlying optimization problem, (iv) allow for replanning upon receipt of additional data, (v) consider pre-planned operations by accepting external constraints in its search, and (vi) provide support to the C2BMC operators, who are tasked with fighting the ballistic missile battle. Furthermore, our joint BM/SRM algorithm will be tested extensively using the BMD Benchmark and challenging raid scenarios.