From NATO:  Since its foundation more than 60 years ago, the Alliance has strived to enable its military forces to work together effectively and efficiently. Modern threats such as terrorism and cyber attacks combined with economic austerity have made the need for increased cooperation and exchange of information even more important. Interoperable solutions are tested regularly through various means, including training and trials such as the “Unified Vision 12” trials held in Ørland, Norway from 18-29 June.

Seventeen nations took part in the two-week event to train Alliance member countries to work together in the framework of NATO’s Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (JISR) plans.

Organised by the NATO Air Force Armaments Group (NAFAG) and partly subsidised by NATO’s Defence Against Terrorism Programme of Work (DAT POW), “Unified Vision 12” trained and tested the nations in a very specific aspect of operations: NATO’s Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (JISR) arrangements. "ISR means getting different systems to work together to maximise interoperability without impairing the performance of each system," explains Françoise Perret, who heads the DAT POW. . . .

[Chairman of the Joint Capability Group on ISR] Richard Wittstruck adds that it is not always easy to reach agreement, but harmonised data-sharing is essential for Alliance operations. During an operation, the information collected is shared and compared, the threats can be identified, and a picture of "what is going on" is produced.  (photo: unmanned)