MP-MSG-229-11.pdf — page 2

Orchestrating Manned-Unmanned Missions 
Using AI-Based Tasking System Across Multi-Domain Operations in M&S 
11 - 2 
STO-MP-MSG-229 
 
 
systems increasingly shape modern warfare, NATO and its partners are working to adapt operational 
strategies and enhance force readiness. Exercises like Dynamic Messenger 23 (DYMS23) and REPMUS 23 
are critical in this effort, focusing on integrating Maritime Unmanned Systems (MUS) into complex, multi-
domain operations. DYMS23, held in September 2023, brings together over 2,000 military and civilian 
personnel from 16 NATO nations, along with partner Sweden. The exercise focuses on testing MUS 
capabilities across various operational areas, including the protection of critical undersea infrastructure, naval 
mine warfare, maritime security operations, and force protection against asymmetric threats [1]. It also 
explores the interoperability of manned-unmanned systems in real-world scenarios, such as amphibious 
operations and medical logistics. REPMUS 23, a precursor to DYMS23, serves as a platform for robotic 
experimentation and prototyping, testing unmanned systems in Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), mine 
countermeasures, and rapid environmental assessments [2]. Both exercises are designed to validate new 
tactics, techniques, and procedures while refining Command and Control (C2) frameworks for unmanned 
systems. Together, these exercises enhance operational readiness, interoperability, and the ability to adapt to 
evolving technological landscapes, ensuring that NATO forces remain prepared for future challenges in 
multi-domain operation. However, such exercises are resource-intensive and require complex coordination. 
Modelling and Simulation (M&S) can address these challenges by reducing costs and improving efficiency, 
enabling realistic mission demonstrations without the logistical burden of live exercises. This paper presents 
ongoing work on a new AI-based test-bed that simulates NATO exercises, allowing both manned and 
unmanned systems to co-train and collaborate in a simulated environment. The platform uses data from 
sensors and situational awareness tools to assess team readiness, predict capabilities, and recommend 
dynamic tasking, ultimately enhancing mission effectiveness in multi-domain operations. 
1.1 
Manned-Unmanned Teaming in Multi-Domain Operations 
Manned-unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) refers to the coordinated operations of autonomous uncrewed 
systems working along-side humans. It redefines team dynamics with new roles, authority, structures, 
learning, coordination and task allocation processes. It allows multi-agent teams with different types of 
capacities, knowledge and interdependence to be combined across domains, for diverse missions. MUM-T 
can enhance teams’ capabilities, creating a force multiplier, minimizing cost of human risks and deployments 
in operations, while enabling co-learning capabilities. In the following section we will discuss some of the 
elements which make MUM-T challenging, and how AI and M&S can help address these.  
1.1.1 
Autonomous and Unmanned Agent  
NIST defines autonomy in Unmanned Systems (UMS) as their ability to sense, perceive, analyze, 
communicate, plan, make decisions, and execute tasks to achieve specific goals, often with little to no human 
intervention. Autonomy is categorized by Human Independence (HI) and Contextual Autonomous 
Capability (CAC), which takes into account the types of missions, environments, and the level of human 
involvement allowed [3]. In practice, autonomous operations enable UMS to perform tasks assigned by 
human operators or other systems, incorporating capabilities like navigation, targeting, and obstacle 
avoidance. However, it is important to note that the idea of UMS fully replacing humans—either in 
achieving the same mission outcomes or reducing casualties is overly simplistic. Unlike humans, UMS lack 
the flexibility and adaptability needed in dynamic and unpredictable combat scenarios [3]. Broadly, 
unmanned systems are defined as powered platforms without onboard operators, which rely on external 
control units, computers, and communication systems to receive commands, gather data, and execute 
missions [3]. Examples include unmanned ground (UGV), unmanned aerial (UAV), unmanned maritime 
(UMV), unmanned underwater (UUV), unmanned water surface borne vehicles (USV), unattended 
munitions (UM), and unattended ground sensors (UGS). These are increasingly becoming integral 
components of various applications, from military operations to environmental monitoring. These systems 
are typically equipped with a wide array of sophisticated autonomous capabilities, which allow them to 
perform complex tasks such as target identification, detection, and tracking. A key technology that enables 
these functions is computer vision, with algorithms such as YOLO (You Only Look Once) and