EISNET

EISNET (European Interactive Sensor-based dynamic defence NETwork)is a European Defence Fund R&D project led by Thales, to which I contributed while working for STAM.

Upper Command and Control workstation.

The project aims to improve the resilience of modern Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) systems against emerging threats by developing a dynamic network of interconnected sensors. Current IAMD architectures are largely centralized: each fire-control center coordinates its local sensors and generates target tracks, which are then transmitted through tactical data links to higher command and control layers. This process introduces delays and inefficiencies that become critical when dealing with modern threats such as hypersonic missiles, boost-glide vehicles, or large swarms of drones.

EISNET explores a decentralized sensor-centric architecture in which sensors and fire-control centers are connected within a common network and share surveillance data directly. In such an architecture, sensors can perform data fusion at the edge of the network rather than relying on a single centralized processing node. This approach increases the resilience of the overall system, since sensors with different locations and capabilities can complement each other and collaboratively build a more robust operational air picture.

Diagram illustrating IAMD systems.