The structure of the Competence Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Simulation – Part 2
In the second part of the interview on the Competence Centre Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Simulation created by armasuisse Science and Technology (S+T), Adrian Christ, Business Owner Doctrine Armed Forces Cyber Command and Martin von Niederhäusern, Head of Competence Centre Simulation of the Armed Forces discuss the significance of AI in their field of work, the opportunities for nationwide cooperation and the expectations for the created Competence Centre.
Interview with Adrian Christ, Business Owner Doctrine Armed Forces Cyber Command and Martin von Niederhäusern, Head of Competence Centre Simulation of the Armed Forces; conducted by Moana Häfeli, Staff, Science and Technology
In brief
The goal of the Competence Centre for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Simulation of armasuisse Science and Technology (S+T) is to develop and transfer innovative solutions for institutions of national security. In the two-part interview series, experts from armasuisse S+T and the Armed Forces speak about the role of the new Competence Centre for AI and Simulation, the nationwide cooperation as well as the opportunities and challenges of AI and simulation.
Adrian and Martin, you’re both attached to Defence. To what extent are you involved with the topics of AI and simulation? What is your role within Defence?
Adrian: In my role as Business Owner Doctrine for the Armed Forces Cyber Command (AFCC) I focus on the long-term development of our organisation. Here, artificial intelligence is an important driver which enables us to automate decision-making processes and achieve a leading edge in knowledge. Simulations play a supporting role, particularly when it comes to developing scenarios and testing strategic options. Our goal is to create a viable basis for developing the skills of the Swiss Armed Forces.
Martin: My employees are responsible for the short- to long-term development planning of the simulation systems, from a technical perspective. They work in interdisciplinary project and system teams in roles as user representatives, in the user team or as technical experts. Here, they develop technical products as part of concepts, innovations, project planning, in procurement projects and the change management of implemented simulation systems. From a technical perspective, they also coordinate the stakeholders across various projects, as synergies and dependencies exist in many cases. Last but not least, we pursue technological development at home and abroad and ensure the transfer of expertise in the simulation community of the Armed Forces and armasuisse. Amongst other things, I represent the Swiss Armed Forces in the NATO Modelling and Simulation Group (NMSG).
The goal of the Competence Centre Simulation of the Armed Forces is to ensure the overarching control of the simulation landscape according to the defined overall needs of the Armed Forces by involving the users. It:
- obtains and disseminates the required expertise, coordinates mutual exchange and maintains contacts with national and international partners;
- issues overarching technical specifications (such as the technical strategy simulation or specifications for standards) and coordinates the directly subordinate organisations of the Chief of the Armed Forces with regard to developing the simulation landscape of the Armed Forces;
- supports the directly subordinate organisations of the Chief of the Armed Forces and armasuisse in expertise, in committees, in innovations as well as in groundwork and project work;
- controls simulation-specific testing by the Armed Forces and ensures the dissemination of the findings obtained.
armasuisse S+T has been working for a long time on the topics of AI and simulation, and has now created a competence centre for this purpose. You have also cooperated in the past with armasuisse S+T and its specialists in the areas of AI and simulation. Which opportunities does the cooperation with the new Competence centre open up for you?
Adrian: The new Competence Centre offers the Armed Forces and the AFCC the option of processing even more specific questions in the area of AI and simulation. What is particularly valuable is the expertise in the development of demonstrators, with which we can validate concepts and test their feasibility. The close involvement of users of these developments ultimately creates benefits for operations and the forces. Through the close cooperation with armasuisse S+T, we not only obtain access to the latest technology, but also benefit from synergies which increase the innovative capacity of the Swiss Armed Forces and the AFCC. We can thus develop prototypes within a short space of time and react quickly to challenges.
Martin: Thanks to close nationwide cooperation, we are able to bridge a gap between research, innovation/testing and procurement. Together, we can develop focused solutions for the forces on a non-bureaucratic basis. For example, we are taking part in the international exercise CWIX 25, together with the Competence Centre AI + Simulation, in cooperation with the Armed Forces Cyber Command. We will thus obtain findings for an ongoing project which is only at milestone 10. This type of interdisciplinary and proactive approach would not previously have been possible.
A S+T competence centre supports internal partners in the utilisation of technological knowledge in innovative solutions.
What are currently your greatest challenges in the areas of AI + Simulation?
Adrian: Technological development in the area of artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly. According to the Gartner Hype Cycle we already find ourselves beyond the «Peak of inflated expectations» with generative AI. This means that the initial hype is subsiding and that we are in a phase in which it is revealed which applications deliver real added value. In this consolidation phase, excessive expectations are often separated from actual value creation – and this is where a decisive challenge for the Armed Forces Cyber Command lies. We don’t just need to remain up-to-date in technological terms, but ensure first and foremost that our expectations of AI are realistic and that we develop solutions that are not just technologically innovative but also robust and ready for use – adapted to the specific requirements of the Armed Forces.
Cooperation between the AFCC and users is essential. We can only develop solutions that are both technologically advanced as well as ready for troop use and mission-essential if we know their exact needs. The systems have to cover the specific requirements of the Swiss Armed Forces to create added value on a sustainable basis.
It’s not sufficient to develop innovative approaches in theory. What is decisive is that they work in practice and that they prove their efficiency and efficacy under real conditions. Pilot projects, practice-oriented tests and continuous coordination between science and operative deployment help us to bridge this gap.
The integration of AI in simulation environments plays a key role. With this combination, we can replicate complex scenarios realistically and make informed decisions. This synergy is key to ensuring the operational capability and resilience of the Armed Forces in an increasingly digital environment.
Martin: Digitisation. Because our existing simulated world is full of separated silo systems, which are incompatible with each other. Over the years, we have in some cases started to network these with each other using very expensive interfaces – but that’s not yet digitisation proper, as the data and models still need to be procured and maintained for each individual silo. However, we can only achieve digital transformation by means of a data-centric architecture where the data can be managed as a common commercial resource and used universally. Accordingly, the greatest challenge is to overcome proprietary manufacturer standards as well as, in some cases, «vendor lock-in» situations which make interoperability impossible for us.
How can the Competence Centre AI + Simulation support you in your daily business and offer added value? Can you give a few specific examples?
Adrian: It helps us to make substantiated assessments and to ensure that we are making the right decisions for future developments. A key aspect is the support when using AI, such as Large Language Models (LLM), in various systems relevant for deployment.
It also enhances our decentralised innovation processes by providing us with professional advice in our development trends, developing demonstrators and supporting us on this path. The Competence Centre’s expertise enables us to implement ideas more efficiently in practice and to pursue innovative strategies on a systematic basis.
One specific added value of the Competence Centre lies in its support of practical use cases, where we have already been able to achieve initial success. For example: How can an operational picture be created efficiently and filtered with prompts to present relevant information quickly and precisely? Another example is the conversion of voice commands into text, with which we can accelerate decision-making processes and simplify communication.
Or how we can develop and optimise AI models with minimum training effort – perhaps by using pre-trained models. These approaches are particularly valuable where specific use cases with limited data sources need to be addressed. Such solutions don’t just offer practical support on a day-to-day basis, but also strategic advantages in decision making and operational planning.
Martin: Michael and his team are helping us to bridge a gap between theoretical research and the specific procurement project. With the jointly operated simulation laboratory, we are also able to discover the truth behind the glittering sales promises of industry, carry out technical and methodical trials and explore the effective options of the technological status.
From the development of an innovative solution in the Competence Centre to practical application - how might the realisation and implementation methods look?
Adrian: The approach from the idea to practical application should be iterative and flexible. Ideally, we start with a proof of concept or a prototype which is validated in realistic tests. This is followed by gradual integration into existing systems. What is important is that we work on an interdisciplinary basis from the start and also involve the users early on.
What are your expectations and goals for the future cooperation and long-term development of the Competence Centre?
Adrian: We expect the Competence Centre not just to deliver technological innovations but also to serve as a catalyst for strategic development. The goal is to establish a long-term, confidence-based partnership in which we develop solutions together which are practical and sustainable. In addition, we hope that the Competence Centre will offer a platform for knowledge transfer and networking between various partners, both at national and international level.
Martin: It’s important that we continue to cooperate in a straightforward and non-bureaucratic manner. The goal must be to find pragmatic solutions for the problems of the forces.
Many thanks, Adrian and Martin, for your time and this informative interview.
To the first interview in this two-part series:
The structure of the Competence Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Simulation
Artificial intelligence and simulation are also gaining momentum in the defence and security environment. To follow these trends, as well as to be able to generate ideas and solutions for institutions of national security, armasuisse Science and Technology (S+T) has created a Competence Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Simulation.