// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Kill Chain
A kill chain is the step-by-step military process used to find and attack a target. If an adversary can disrupt any single step, or 'link,' in this chain, the entire attack can be prevented.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The Kill Chain is a military operational model outlining the sequential stages of an engagement, from target identification via ISR assets to destruction and battle damage assessment (BDA). This command and control (C2) framework, often expressed as F2T2EA (Find, Fix, Track, Target, Engage, Assess), is fundamental to shortening the sensor-to-shooter timeline within JADC2 architectures.
BACKGROUND
The term kill chain is a military concept which identifies the structure of an attack. It consists of:identification of target dispatching of forces to target initiation of attack on target destruction of target
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Targeting Cycle
- F2T2EA
- Engagement Sequence
- Sensor-to-Shooter Loop
- Fire Control Process
- Strike Cycle
USAGE NOTE
The model is used both offensively to plan an attack and defensively to identify vulnerabilities for disrupting an adversary's operations.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Kill Chain.
A primary US defense contractor that develops a wide array of systems integral to the kill chain, including the F-35 fighter jet, JASSM missiles, and various C4ISR platforms. The company also developed the 'Cyber Kill Chain' framework for cybersecurity.
Develops critical technologies for every step of the kill chain, including stealth bombers (B-21), unmanned surveillance aircraft (Global Hawk), advanced radar systems, and the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS) designed to link sensors and shooters.
Formerly Raytheon Technologies, RTX produces advanced sensors, radars (like the GhostEye/LTAMDS), and precision-guided weapons such as the Tomahawk and AMRAAM missiles. The company is a key contributor to Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) efforts to shorten the kill chain.
A newer defense technology company focused on artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. Their Lattice OS software platform integrates sensor data to create a real-time battlefield picture, designed to drastically shorten the time from threat detection to engagement.
Specializes in big data analytics software. Their Gotham platform is used by defense and intelligence agencies to integrate and analyze disparate data sources, enabling operators to more quickly find, fix, track, and target threats.
A global defense and aerospace company providing electronic warfare systems, advanced sensor technologies, and C4ISR solutions that support situational awareness and targeting for air, land, and naval forces.
A leading provider of communication and networking systems that form the backbone of modern military operations. Their technologies enable resilient, secure data links between sensors, command centers, and weapon systems, which is essential for a functional kill chain.
The primary designer and manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) like the MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1C Gray Eagle. These 'hunter-killer' drones are complete systems that embody the kill chain, capable of long-endurance surveillance, tracking, and precision strikes.