Innovation and Communications

The 21st century requires new types of expertise that CNA has developed as special areas of focus. We use artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms in our own analyses and evaluate autonomous systems for our sponsors and clients. Cybersecurity expertise adds real-world relevance to a wide range of tactical and operational analyses. Our scientists also have a deep history of analyzing data links and the command and control of dispersed forces.

CNA analysts translate their expertise in cutting-edge technologies into practical guidance for decision-makers. We have developed tools to implement government policy on autonomous systems. Our analyses of the new Identification Friend or Foe Mode 5 upgrade in the Navy have resulted in significant reliability improvements. And CNA has pioneered a capability to incorporate cyber operations into any wargame through the Merlin cyber module.

Related Capabilities

Onsite Analysis

Operations Analysis

Wargaming

Modeling & Simulation

Exercise Evaluation

Cyber, IT Systems, and Networks Program

CNA analysis “puts the no-kidding warfighting impact behind the theoretical of communications and cyber.” Dr. Andrew Mara describes the work of the CNA Cyber, IT Systems, and Networks Program.

Cybersecurity Futures 2025: Insights and Findings

This report from the global initiative aims to shape a forward-looking research and policy agenda for civilian agencies. Cybersecurity Futures 2025 was created by UC Berkeley Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity, the World Economic Forum’s Global Centre for Cybersecurity and CNA.

Cybersecurity for Future Skies: The UAS Challenge

CNA is helping the FAA and NASA address cybersecurity challenges posed by growing numbers of civilian uncrewed aircraft systems, or UAS.

Addressing AI's Operational Challenges: Putting the Human in Human-Machine Teaming

In the future, human soldiers will team with intelligent systems, creating a set of requirements the U.S. military has never faced before. In a seven-page summary, CNA outlines some of the requirements for successful human-machine teaming.

AI with AI

Two of CNA’s resident experts in artificial intelligence, Dr. Andy Ilachinski (AI) and Dr. David Broyles, host one of the nation’s leading podcasts on AI and national security. Each episode is bolstered by extensive documentation in the show notes.

Battlefield of Tomorrow

As competition expands to cyber and space domains, and commanders seek to leverage the potential of AI and autonomy, CNA is helping lead the way. Our expert analysis helps decision-makers develop the optimal forces, organizations and systems to prevail on the battlefield of tomorrow.

Interoperability: Making Weapons Work as One

When weapons systems do not communicate seamlessly with one another, deadly problems arise. CNA analysts use science to address these interoperability issues.

Identification Friend or Foe in Northern Edge Exercise

Dr. Mallory Ladd describes her experiences in Northern Edge, where she analyzed command and control, interoperability and Identification Friend or Foe Mode 5.

AI and Nuclear Operations: Identifying and Mitigating Risks

CNA explores how AI applications — in both nuclear operations and AI-enabled military capabilities more broadly — affect the likelihood of nuclear war or the speed at which conventional conflict could become nuclear.

Emerging Technologies and Civilian Harm Mitigation

AI has the potential to reduce civilian harm in conflict. An analysis of over 2000 real-world instances of civilian harm identified 12 pathways to harm, all of which could be at least partially mitigated with the help of AI.

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