Australian combined operational picture clearer than ever before

The operational capabilities of the Australian Defence Force have been significantly bolstered by the establishment of the Coalition Data Network Centre (CDNC).

CAPTION: (L-R) United States Army Captain Edward Miller, Royal Canadian Air Force Corporal Julie Vallee and Royal Australian Navy Lieutenant Commander Bobby McFerran work at the Coalition Data Network Centre (CDNC) located within the Battle Simulation Centre in Gallipoli Barracks, Brisbane, in support of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023. Story by Captain Nic Rutledge. Photo by Madhur Chitnis.

The CDNC is ‘eyes on’ the theatre wide operations of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 (TS23) with the largest geographical spread to date across Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory.

Serving as a centralised hub for tactical and operational data integration, analysis, and dissemination, the CDNC forms a critical component for the success of TS23.

Specialist staff from the United States Navy, Army, Marine Corps and also Canadian forces, working with the Australian Defence Force, support mission outcomes, as well as providing time-sensitive situational awareness of the entire battle space.

Commander John Flage of the Royal Australian Navy, the ADF Joint Data Network Operations Officer, sees the operational capabilities the CDNC can provide.

“We developed the architecture to manage the real world and exercise Australian common operating picture, with theatre wide visibility across air, land and sea,” CMDR Flage said.

“Having a team of personnel with different military backgrounds and specialities brings a wide array of skills, enhances our team’s depth of experience.”

For the United States Army’s Captain Edward Miller, working in the CDNC has been an exciting opportunity.

“Having multinational visibility across the entire exercise is so beneficial and has great potential.

“This is my first Talisman Sabre and I have been so impressed by the exercise so far.”

With the CDNC facilitating real-time information sharing, enhancing situational awareness, and streamlining decision-making processes, the ADF has strengthened its ability to integrate with multinational partners and maximized joint operational capabilities.

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