In a groundbreaking collaboration, the 805th Combat Training Squadron’s Shadow Operations Center-Nellis (ShOC-N), also known as the US Air Force’s Advanced Battle Management System Battle Lab, joined forces with the US Army’s Mission Command Battle Lab and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to advance the field of joint airspace management and joint fires capability at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. This partnership has led to a significant development in the Air Space Total Awareness for Rapid Tactical Execution (ASTARTE) system, a cutting-edge warfighting innovation project.

ShOC-N: Forging the Future of Command and Control

As the Air Force’s premier command and control battle lab, ShOC-N plays a pivotal role in the development, advancement, and maturation of key technologies and capabilities. Its primary objective is to streamline the kill chain for joint and coalition warfighters, making it a driving force behind ASTARTE’s development.

ShOC-N Building
(Image source: US Air Force)

ASTARTE, primarily a DARPA program with sponsorship from both the Army and Air Force, aims to revolutionize airspace operations and de-confliction in congested battlefields. At its core, ASTARTE automates the provision of real-time familiar operational pictures within and above an Army Division, reducing the time required for executing time-sensitive joint fires. Raytheon Corporation’s artificial intelligence-enabled software powers ASTARTE, facilitating airspace synchronization and tactical decision-making. Its modular design allows for seamless integration into existing Army and Air Force command and control systems.

Lieutenant Colonel John Ohlund, commander of the 805th CTS, highlights the significance of the integration efforts: