British Army soldiers engage in pioneering PC-C4 war experiment in California.

Over 600 soldiers from the British Army, alongside troops from six allied nations, are currently participating in a groundbreaking war experimentation project in California named Project Convergence Capstone 4 (PC-C4). This initiative, which commenced last month and is scheduled to conclude on March 20, 2024, is being hosted by the US Army. The experiment aims to redefine collaborative combat strategies within a multi-domain operational environment for the US and its international allies.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

British soldiers from the 2nd Battalion The Royal Yorkshire Regiment move from building to building whilst being covered by an autonomous RPV (Robotic Platoon Vehicle) with a mounted machine gun (Picture source: British Army)

PC-C4 is set to contribute valuable insights towards reshaping the future of the British Army by the year 2030, through rigorous testing of advanced systems and technologies, some of which are being deployed for the first time. This endeavor aims to enhance the British Army's combat effectiveness by streamlining the operational process across the 'sensor-decider-effector-sustainer' sequence, essential for achieving superiority on the battlefield.

A significant focus of the experiment is on optimizing the network of information systems crucial for modern warfare. The project underscores the importance of efficient data processing to ensure commanders can navigate the complexities of the battlefield effectively and make informed decisions to outmaneuver adversaries.

PC-C4 emphasizes collaborative operations, uniting multinational forces to refine strategies for integrating situational awareness and command and control capabilities. This collective approach is designed to empower commanders with the ability to make precise decisions and leverage optimal systems for future combat success.

Defence industry partners and military personnel walk around the multiple stands on display at Project Convergence 4 (Picture source: British Army)

Lieutenant General Ross Coffman, Deputy Commander of US Army Futures Command, highlighted the unprecedented scale of operational data management achieved during the experiment, marking a milestone in joint and allied data coordination efforts.

The experiment is structured around two ten-day phases of intensive testing, with the first phase conducted at the US Marine Corps base, Camp Pendleton, and the second phase underway at the US Army’s National Training Centre (NTC) in the Mojave Desert.

Key areas of focus include enhancing human-machine integration to prioritize contact with machines in initial engagement phases and strengthening military interoperability among participant nations, including the USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France, and Japan.

The UK's involvement is spearheaded by the 1 Deep Recce Strike Brigade Combat Team (1 DRS BCT), marking the Army's most significant and advanced experimental endeavor to date. This includes participation from 2nd Battalion The Royal Yorkshire Regiment (2 R YORKS) and various other units, testing state-of-the-art technologies aimed at revolutionizing British Army combat tactics.

The experiment also explores the integration of Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) and involves the newly established Ranger Regiment, highlighting the British Army's commitment to innovation and modernization in line with emerging threats and the new Land Operating Concept.

This extensive experimentation and modernization effort underscores the British Army's ambition to adapt and excel in the evolving landscape of global security, with a strong emphasis on digital transformation and interoperability within a joint and multinational operational framework.

All Terrain Electric Mission Module (ATeMM) trailer pushing along a squad carrying vehicle during a live demonstration at Project Convergence 4 (Picture source: British Army)

Defense News March 2024