Translation of TARANIS Interview with Heiko Seebode for ... - ESG

Translation of TARANIS Interview with Heiko Seebode for Spektrum I/2005
“Synthesis of Experience and Innovation“
ESG presents a new concept for a modular tactical C4I system, TARANIS.
As a long-standing partner of the German Armed Forces, ESG has developed numerous C4I systems. Last year
the company completed the development of the artillery computer network ADLER II; currently the next
generation of the weapon deployment system for the mortar troops, DVA II, is being developed. Now ESG has
presented a concept for a C4I system which can also be used by different troops: TARANIS. „Spektrum“ spoke
with Heiko Seebode, head of „IT Systems for Operations“, about the background and advantages of this solution.
What exactly is TARANIS?
The name signifies a modular tactical C4I system which provides state-of-the-art DP support for all troop
operations on the battlefield. It consists primarily of field-tested components for information and resource
management, fire control and ballistics. TARANIS integrates sensors and shooters from all troops and supports
surveillance, target and engagement management. Modules for integrating different communication equipment
complete the system functionality.
ESG has been providing state-of-the-art C4I systems and solutions for many years. What new features does
TARANIS offer?
TARANIS’ most significant features are its modularity and scaleability. These enable not just easy customisation
of the system to the specific requirements of different troops, but also provide core functionality and offer our
customers the best possible investment protection through reusability. With these advantages we are also in an
ideal position for entering the international market.
TARANIS is based on the experience we gained during the lengthy development phase of projects such as
ADLER and DVA. We see TARANIS as a synthesis of these experiences and our innovative solution approaches.
In contrast to ADLER, TARANIS covers the requirements of different troops and links their sensors and weapon
systems in an efficient network. Thus TARANIS supports the network-centric capabilities of the German Armed
Forces and can be the functional complement to the command, control and information system of the Army
(FüInfoSys H) for the troops’ deployment needs.
TARANIS Interview Spektrum I Page 1

If TARANIS is essentially based on ADLER, why has the name been changed?
TARANIS is not ADLER III ! The system provides functionalities for different troops and addresses the current
requirements for network-centric solutions and concepts arising from the transformation process.
Previous approaches were generally focussed on the needs of the individual troops. ADLER was an ideal solution
for this. Now, however, modular, highly networked solutions for the battlefield are necessary in order to meet the
threat scenarios and organisatory requirements of armed forces in the 21st century appropriately with DP
support. We are following this paradigm shift with the new name.
In 2005 we will further develop TARANIS, in particular in terms of efficient data exchange. We will thereby use
synergies from different projects and integrate standardised components. With this procedure we guarantee our
main customer, the German Armed Forces, not just investment protection but also sustainability.
The USA are at the forefront in the area of networking on the battlefield...
You are right. In the areas in which we in Europe are cautiously beginning to consider solution possibilities, the
US forces have already reached the implementation stage. A typical example is the further development over the
last few years of AFATDS - previously a system solely for the artillery - into a tactical battle command system.
The US Army and Marine Corps realised very quickly that in the age of Network Centric Warfare (NCW) it makes
little sense to implement similar functions with different IT solutions. The sustainability of this comprehensive joint
approach was verified sufficiently during the Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Admittedly, the US Army und Marine Corps also invested a total of 270 million dollars in the implementation of
this system.
Do you mean that the German Armed Forces would have to invest a similar amount in order to achieve
comparable capabilities on the battlefield?
ESG is a medium-sized company and thinks in different financial dimensions to the large defence companies in
the USA. As partner of the German Armed Forces we have always made sure over the last 40 years that we
develop not just technically high-quality but also cost-efficient solutions that are customised according to the real
needs of the customer. We sum up this focus on process optimisation in the term „Operations Integration“.
Since the contract for the command and control system of the German Army (FüInfoSys H) was closed at the end
of 2004, few resources remain for the requirements of the troops for weapon deployment systems. With
TARANIS we want to help make the most efficient use of these resources as possible.
TARANIS Interview Spektrum I Page 2

Currently, for example, the project DVA II is benefiting from TARANIS concepts, as certain core modules, which
were originally developed for ADLER, are reused and customised for the needs of the German mortar troops. We
can definitely envisage further areas in which a similar approach – namely the adaptation of existing
implementations – could be applied successfully.
As you mentioned, the military environment is changing. What kind of new tasks will TARANIS have to master in
the future?
Through our participation and activities in the international interoperability programme ASCA (Artillery Systems
Cooperation Activities) we are already able to support combined operations. For the future we have resolved to
further expand our joint capabilities i.e. our interface to the Navy and Air Force, also to the Armed Forces support
troops if required. Joint fires, in particular naval gunfire and close air support, are typical requirements that need
DP support.
With further technical development we want to expand our first PDA-based application modules and improve our
capabilities for image data transmission within the TARANIS network. A further topic for the near future that we
are concentrating on is the harmonisation of TARANIS with the FüInfoSys H.
I am convinced that, with TARANIS, we are ideally positioned for all these challenges and will make an effective
contribution to the implementation of network-centric capabilities in the German Armed Forces.
TARANIS Interview Spektrum I Page 3