// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Tactical Cloud
A Tactical Cloud is a portable, localized cloud computing environment deployed near the front lines or at the 'edge' of military operations, providing processing, storage, and networking capabilities directly to deployed forces.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A Tactical Cloud is a highly distributed, resilient, and often ruggedized cloud computing infrastructure deployed at the operational edge to support C4ISR and JADC2 objectives by enabling localized data processing, storage, and application hosting for real-time decision-making and reduced latency in contested environments.
BACKGROUND
Multi-Service Tactical Brevity Codes are standardized procedure words used by multiple branches of the military to efficiently communicate complex information through concise, easily understood terms. These codes are a specialized form of voice procedure intended to improve clarity, speed, and coordination in tactical operations.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Edge Cloud
- Battlefield Cloud
- Mobile Cloud
- Distributed Cloud (Tactical)
- Operational Edge Cloud
USAGE NOTE
Tactical Clouds are critical for enabling rapid data analysis and AI applications directly on the battlefield, reducing reliance on remote data centers and improving operational agility.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Tactical Cloud.
Lockheed Martin
A global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technologies company heavily involved in developing secure, resilient, and distributed computing solutions for tactical military environments, often integrating cloud concepts at the edge.
RTX (Raytheon Technologies)
Develops advanced command, control, communications, and intelligence systems that increasingly leverage tactical cloud architectures for processing vast amounts of data at the edge of the battlefield.
Northrop Grumman
Designs and builds multi-domain command and control systems, requiring robust, distributed computing capabilities that resemble tactical cloud infrastructure to support interconnected forces.
General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT)
A leading provider of IT services and solutions to the U.S. government and military, including the implementation of hybrid cloud, edge computing, and tactical cloud environments for critical defense operations.
L3Harris Technologies
Specializes in secure communications, intelligence, and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) solutions that often rely on advanced processing and data fusion at the tactical edge, forming tactical cloud-like capabilities.
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Through its AWS Snow Family and AWS Outposts, AWS provides ruggedized, disconnected, and portable computing solutions designed to bring cloud services to tactical, austere, and denied environments for defense applications.
Microsoft Azure Government
Offers secure, compliant cloud services for government and defense, including edge computing solutions (e.g., Azure Stack Edge) that enable tactical cloud deployments for real-time data processing and decision-making on the battlefield.
Booz Allen Hamilton
A global management and technology consulting firm that works with the Department of Defense to design, implement, and secure cloud solutions, including strategies for tactical and edge cloud deployments.