// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Mosaic Warfare
Mosaic Warfare is a military strategy that breaks down large, complex systems like fighter jets or command centers into smaller, independent components that can be linked together in various combinations. This allows forces to adapt quickly and be more resilient, as losing one 'tile' of the mosaic doesn't disable the entire system.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Mosaic Warfare is a defense strategy and operational concept, championed by DARPA, that advocates for the disaggregation of monolithic military platforms into smaller, less-complex, and networkable nodes (sensors, shooters, command and control) which can be dynamically composed and recomposed using AI-enabled command systems to form adaptive 'kill chains' or 'kill webs'. This approach aims to increase force resilience, operational flexibility, and decision-making speed to overwhelm adversaries in a JADC2 (Joint All-Domain Command and Control) environment.
BACKGROUND
The mosaic defence strategy or decentralized mosaic defence is a military doctrine developed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps which incorporates a flexible and decentralized command structure with built in redundancies. It was originally developed in 2005 to combat a foreign-backed revolution and came to prominence during the 2026 Iran war.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- disaggregated operations
- distributed lethality
- composable warfare
- kill web
- decision-centric warfare
- adaptive force packaging
- resilient command and control
USAGE NOTE
This term is frequently used in strategic discussions about future warfare, particularly as a foundational theory for implementing JADC2.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Mosaic Warfare.
The U.S. agency that originated the Mosaic Warfare concept. Through its Strategic Technology Office (STO), DARPA funds and manages research programs to develop the underlying technologies for composing and recomposing systems, such as the System of Systems Technology Integration Toolchain for Heterogeneous Electronic Systems (STITCHES).
Develops an AI-powered software platform, Lattice OS, designed to integrate sensors and effectors from various autonomous systems into a single command and control network. This approach directly embodies the Mosaic Warfare principle of composing disparate assets into a cohesive system-of-systems.
A major developer of technologies for Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2), the practical implementation of Mosaic Warfare. The company focuses on open-architecture networking, communication gateways, and data integration to connect diverse platforms across air, land, sea, and space.
Through its Skunk Works division, Lockheed Martin is a key contributor to JADC2 and open-architecture initiatives. They develop platforms and software that enable manned and unmanned systems to interoperate seamlessly, forming the interconnected 'tiles' of a mosaic force.
Develops advanced sensors, command and control (C2) software, and communication systems that are foundational to Mosaic Warfare. RTX is a primary contractor for JADC2 solutions, focusing on creating open, secure networks to link assets across all domains.
A key government research lab pioneering technologies for the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS), the Air Force's primary contribution to JADC2. AFRL's work in AI, resilient networking, and human-machine teaming directly supports the creation of composable, mosaic-like warfighting capabilities.
Boeing's advanced research and development unit develops autonomous systems like the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, designed as a 'loyal wingman' platform. These types of collaborative, uncrewed aircraft are intended to function as key 'tiles' within a larger Mosaic Warfare construct.
Specializes in developing C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems with an emphasis on open mission systems architecture. This focus on interoperability standards enables different platforms to be easily integrated into a networked mosaic.