The U.S. Army is leveraging the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii as a dynamic operational testing ground for its Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) initiative. This effort brings together soldiers, software developers, and technology partners to rapidly iterate and refine battlefield capabilities in real time.
Through a series of Lightning Surge exercises, the 25th ID has evaluated an open architecture that integrates sensors, fires, airspace management, and tactical data streams. This setup enables developers to deliver software updates—based directly on soldier feedback—within hours or days rather than months. Lockheed Martin serves as the Full Stack Operational Implementation Lead for the Army’s NGC2 program under the 25th ID.
The overarching goal is to replace legacy, platform-specific systems with a modular framework that supports rapid integration of new technologies. By incorporating artificial intelligence (AI), NGC2 aims to accelerate decision-making cycles and scale proven solutions across the entire Army. In this Q&A-style discussion, Breaking Defense speaks with Chandra Marshall, Vice President and General Manager for Multi-Domain Combat Solutions at Lockheed Martin.
Breaking Defense: What specific improvements is NGC2 meant to drive for the Army? How does it address challenges that were previously difficult or too slow to resolve?
Marshall: NGC2 is designed to shift the paradigm toward mission-centric operations. The Army seeks a composable architecture built on shared applications and standardized services, allowing seamless integration of new software, weapons, and sensors without costly rework.
By dismantling traditional silos across all levels of the Army, NGC2 establishes a unified framework for rapid deployment of capabilities. Leveraging a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) alongside AI, the system enhances situational awareness and supports faster command decisions.
AI functions not as an autonomous decision-maker but as a powerful enabler, processing vast volumes of data and presenting concise intelligence to commanders. This reduces decision latency from minutes to seconds, empowering warfighters with timely insights tailored to their roles and responsibilities.
Can you explain the role of the ‘data layer’ in NGC2?
The data layer acts as the neural spine of the system—it governs how information flows between components. It ingests raw data and delivers it to relevant applications or users based on predefined access controls, operational function, and hierarchical clearance. This ensures that soldiers receive only the information pertinent to their tasks, delivered instantly and securely.
In what ways has the collaboration with the 25th ID transformed how C2 systems are developed, tested, and refined?
Working in close proximity to active units has allowed for a highly adaptive development cycle. Unlike conventional programs constrained by rigid specifications, the 25th ID provided strategic objectives rather than fixed requirements, enabling swift iteration based on live feedback from soldiers.
Real-time input allows for immediate software refinements—from minor user interface tweaks to complex feature enhancements. During Lightning Surge events, emphasis is placed on delivering functional capability usable in current operations—not experimental prototypes. Within ten months and using streamlined funding mechanisms, NGC2 tools have already been deployed operationally throughout the Pacific Command area, including participation in Exercise Balik Tan.
Could you walk us through a concrete example of soldier-driven innovation during these drills?
During Lightning Surge 4, soldiers voiced a clear need: eliminating the necessity to manually interact with touchscreens. Instead, they wanted to issue voice commands directly via microphone. In response, engineers developed an AI-powered hands-free communication device integrated with existing edge computing hardware.
This enhancement enabled soldiers to execute mission-critical functions through spoken instructions alone, significantly streamlining workflows and enhancing situational responsiveness. Designed, built, and field-tested within days, the solution exemplifies NGC2’s agile development ethos.
What practical benefits will NGC2 deliver to Soldiers operating in contested environments?
Lightning Surge iterations 1 and 2 established foundational elements; surges 3 and 4 demonstrated full-system integration. Notably, surge 3 achieved fusion of sensor networks, fire control systems, and airspace coordination into a centralized, cloud-enabled battlespace visualization tool.
This breakthrough dramatically compresses the time from detection to engagement by delivering near-real-time tactical pictures spanning wide geographic areas—including joint operations across Hawaii, the Philippines, and wider Indo-Pacific AORs. It marks the first instance of cross-domain data sharing within a multi-locational Army operational context.
How does the NGC2 acquisition model diverge from traditional defense contracting structures?
Rather than adhering to single-vendor procurement models, NGC2 embraces a diverse supplier ecosystem encompassing startups, emerging tech firms, and established defense contractors. This inclusive strategy fosters innovation while maintaining cost efficiency.
At the core of success lies a disciplined yet flexible onboarding/offboarding protocol. Capable vendors are continuously evaluated and integrated—or replaced—as needed, ensuring optimal performance without compromising interoperability or creating vendor lock-in dependencies.
Which key collaborators are contributing to the success of the 25th ID initiative?
To date, over 60 organizations have either contributed directly or are under review for inclusion in the NGC2 ecosystem. Among notable contributors are Raft Technologies (data platform), Amazon Web Services (secure chat and collaboration), Rune Technologies (contested logistics tools), and Striveworks (AI-driven fires support modules).
Any final reflections on where NGC2 stands today—and tomorrow?
Speed and precision define NGC2’s value proposition. Through its modular, open architecture, the program delivers scalable, high-quality solutions faster than ever before. Vendors can plug into the network seamlessly, introducing cutting-edge tools without requiring major redesigns.
Equipped with integrated AI-assisted decision-making tools, the NGC2 framework is positioned to evolve alongside future technological advances. Plans are underway to expand the model beyond the 25th ID to additional Army divisions, extending its transformative reach throughout the service.
