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Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
Digital Twins And AI: How They Can Help With Defense Decision-Making
William Bain is the Founder and CEO of ScaleOut Software. In today's landscape, global threats continue to grow, with cyber threats, drone warfare and asymmetric conflicts creating complex challenges for military leaders. The military is under pressure to modernize faster than ever. Defense scenarios can require commanders to track and analyze thousands of both friendly and enemy assets every second as engagements unfold. How can new technology give commanders enhanced situational awareness and a tactical advantage? One proven model for maintaining situational awareness is the 'OODA loop.' Originally developed by U.S. Air Force Colonel John Boyd and widely used by military leaders, pilots and operations managers, the OODA loop is highly useful for responding to real-time threats. It has four steps: orient, observe, decide and act. Those who can process these steps quickest can react more effectively. While decisions ultimately rest in the hands of people, new technology can speed up the OODA loop. When defense scenarios involve thousands of dynamic assets, accelerating responses is essential. Military leaders need technology that can continuously analyze changing conditions and help them stay ahead of threats. This technology must evaluate changes in individual elements and then immediately combine the results so that personnel can process changes as quickly and effectively as possible. As founder and CEO of ScaleOut Software, I have focused my career on developing software technologies that improve decision-making in complex, fast-moving environments. With a background in parallel computing and experience at Bell Labs, Intel and Microsoft, I have developed scalable computing software that uses in-memory digital twins to monitor large numbers of live assets and deliver continuous real-time insights, like those needed in military applications. Unlocking A New Level Of Situational Awareness Scalable, digital twin software technology, combined with both machine learning (ML) and generative AI, is emerging as a game changer for defense operations. They offer new tools for real-time analysis that give military leaders better insights and lead to more effective responses in time-critical situations. By integrating live sensor data with historical patterns, these technologies can enhance situational awareness, enabling commanders to respond to emerging threats with unprecedented speed and precision. At the core of these advances is the digital twin: a software representation of a physical entity, such as a command post, an aircraft, a vehicle, artillery piece or troops. Using real-time data from satellites, drones or other sensors, digital twins can track assets on a battlefield by continuously analyzing incoming data. Assisted by AI, digital twins combine real-time data with past changes to create a new perspective for personnel and deeper insights into evolving scenarios. Accelerating The OODA Loop Timely response to enemy movements, cyber intrusions or other threats can mean the difference between success and failure. Digital twins combined with AI can quickly analyze the movement of enemy assets and accelerate the OODA loop for commanders. Satellite images processed with AI only provide a snapshot of the current location and types of enemy assets. Digital twins can use multiple images to identify and track specific assets over time. To provide a tactical advantage, ML algorithms trained on a wide range of movement patterns can track both where the enemy is and how its assets are likely to be moving. Enabled by new hardware technologies, digital twins can also track large numbers of friendly assets and assist in force protection. Portable GPS trackers can securely transmit a wide range of parameters for each asset to cloud-hosted digital twins, which maintain a comprehensive view of the battle space and immediately detect issues that need attention. They also track consumables, such as artillery ammunition, to help logistics personnel direct supplies where most urgently needed at any given moment. Driving Readiness And Efficiency Digital twins combined with AI are not just transforming combat operations. They are also helping logistics and maintenance teams maximize readiness and control costs. These software technologies can also model complex systems and workflows, enabling managers to streamline operations and detect emerging problems. For example, digital twins can continuously analyze sensor data from aircraft using ML to detect potential failures before they occur. The U.S. Air Force is leveraging digital twin technology to improve the maintenance of its F-35 fighter jets, allowing engineers to predict component failures and reduce unplanned downtime. Similarly, the U.S. Air Force partnered with the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) to create digital twins of F-16 aircraft to help lower operational costs. Digital twins also play a key role in managing ongoing supply chains, ensuring the timely delivery of fuel, ammunition and medical supplies. They can integrate real-time data from the complex web of components in a supply chain to provide military leaders with live insights into potential issues. Leveraging Digital Twins And AI For Defense Playbooks New software technologies that combine digital twins with AI have the potential to reshape modern defense strategy. Effective for both battlefield and logistical operations, these technologies can enable military leaders to make better decisions, even when they're confronted with complex challenges. Concurrently, they can help organizations maximize readiness and manage costs. Integrating digital twins with AI into operational systems may require a change in mindset, and that starts with data management—specifically, analyzing incoming data efficiently. Today's systems typically confine real-time processing to the ingestion and display of live data, which they store in databases for later analysis. These systems often use multiple data silos that can further delay analysis. Defense planners should ask whether their existing systems can meet the real-time needs of today's complex scenarios. Do they take advantage of newer software technologies that accelerate the OODA loop? Do they provide automatic alerting and analytics enhanced by AI? In both defense missions and other live operations, these technologies can provide the fast, unblinking analysis of incoming threats required to support decision-making on which lives may depend. By continuously analyzing live data and simultaneously tracking every data source, memory-based digital twins with AI can provide fast results and avoid the inefficiencies of offline data silos. In both defense missions and other live operations, they can deliver timely insights that enhance decision-making. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
The Print
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Print
A letter to Defence Minister, with lessons from American fighter pilot John Boyd: Jaithirth Rao
This writer is being a tad presumptuous in penning this letter. But knowing of your sobriety, open-mindedness, and willingness to take courageous decisions, this privilege is being boldly exercised. 1. Addressed a longstanding grievance of service personnel regarding pensions. 2. Moved assertively towards creating a younger and more agile human capital base in our armed forces through the imaginative Agnipath Yojana. 3. Started re-equipping our forces with vigour after a decade-long hiatus. In doing so, you even had to approach the Supreme Court to clearly establish your bona fides. This was really well done. The nation is grateful. 4. Encouraged much-maligned state sector entities, which have risen to the challenge. HAL, for instance, has shown fresh vigour after years of apathy. DRDO, of course, has proved its mettle not just on paper but on the battlefield. 5. You have converted bureaucratic ordnance factories into companies ensuring greater transparency and accountability. You have pushed this overdue reform despite considerable and misplaced opposition. The hope is that you will soon list these companies. About 50 years ago, this writer had the privilege of being taught by the brilliant Professor Suresh Kuchhal, who argued that many of the gains of privatisation could be achieved simply by listing PSUs. Ordnance factories would benefit from the scrutiny and visibility that listing would bring. 6. You have opened up the defence industrial complex to the private sector. With one stroke, you have done away with 80 years of self-inflicted wounds rooted in mistrust of Indian businesses. Other countries (e.g. Japan, Korea) viewed their companies and conglomerates as national assets. We have finally come around to this view. Thank you, sir. 7. You have encouraged nimble, entrepreneurial start-ups to become partners in India's defence journey. This is a source of great national benefit both in the immediate and medium term. 8. You have promoted the export of Indian defence equipment. This is a stroke of genius. The purpose is not to encourage war but to deter it. Well-equipped countries are less likely to go to war. More importantly, this move forces Indian suppliers to make products that are world-class and globally competitive. 9. You have created a solid, mutually synergistic relationship between the Defence Ministry and the Department of Space and ISRO, at a time when the Department of Space has imaginatively opened this exciting domain to India's private sector and to start-ups. The benefits will undoubtedly be magnified. Also read: It doesn't end here. India must prepare for mightier neighbours John Boyd, the great American fighter pilot Now, with considerable humility, and in the hope that you are open to constructive inputs, this writer would like to offer an unusual suggestion: please read the book Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War by Robert Coram. In fact, I would go so far as to recommend that all officers in the services and civil servants in your ministry read it. This book is about a brilliant American fighter pilot, John Boyd. He started as one of the most successful servicemen in his line and went on to identify the theoretical foundations of what had until then been attributed to the 'intuitive skills' of pilots. He developed a manual that ended up being used not only by American fighter pilots but by their counterparts across the world. The US Air Force allowed him to fulfil his desire to go back to university. Boyd often told his friends that he didn't want to 'become' someone through promotions as ends in themselves. Instead, he wanted to 'do' something, regardless of whether he was promoted. He studied Industrial Engineering at Georgia Tech, which enabled him to pivot toward equipment design and project management. Boyd plunged into aircraft design, defying bureaucratic norms that did not assign him this task. He argued for a simple, lean design focussed on functionality. He was not in favour of adding bells and whistles like fancy equipment and even a second engine. His vision was a nimble, singularly focussed weapon: a fighter plane. He did not win all his battles. Officers who loved bigger, more expensive (and therefore, in their opinion, better) planes opposed him. So did equipment manufacturers who wanted to keep palming off earlier designs with redundant additions for better profit margins. But Boyd managed to win most of his battles. The F-16 emerged as a 'good' plane, though Boyd himself argued it could have been 'great'. As an aside, India may find that developing uni-focussed equipment for specific terrains such as deserts and mountains may be more effective and economical than relying on multipurpose platforms. Such equipment might also be easier to export to countries with similar geography. Also read: Ministry of Defence has lofty reform plans for 2025. First, establish Theatre Commands Boyd succeeded despite sabotage by bureaucracy Boyd's associate and protégé, Pierre Sprey, fought another battle. In the US Air Force, large, complex bombers were seen as 'upper class', fighters as 'middle class', and ground support aircraft as 'low class'. These distinctions allowed Sprey to get himself almost surreptitiously appointed as chief designer of a ground support aircraft, which eventually became the US Air Force's A10 — affectionately or disdainfully known as the 'Ground Hog'. Sprey designed with vim and gusto. But he too lost some bureaucratic battles. The A10 was bigger and had exotic additions that it did not need. Once again, what emerged was a 'good' aircraft rather than a 'great' one. This aircraft was dismissed as cheap and ugly, but it emerged as a winner in the first Gulf War. The A10 was loved by pilots and feared by the enemy. Despite support from imaginative seniors up to the level of Defence Secretaries, Boyd was denied promotions. The middle bureaucracy sabotaged his career. Boyd left the service. As it turned out, this became a blessing in disguise. He then developed his intellectual pursuits in unexpected directions. He delved deep into military history, and explored the roots of knowledge, perception and reality as these matters change in a kaleidoscopic manner. While these are fascinating, they are not germane to the purpose of this letter. In the field of military strategy, US Services accepted Boyd's ideas grudgingly. The one unit that responded enthusiastically was the Marine Corps, the smallest of the armed services, which embraced his theoretical idea of 'getting into the adversary's decision cycle'. The Marine Corps' spectacular success in the first Gulf War vindicated Boyd. The US Army, which only partially adopted his ideas and reverted to its time-honoured traditions, saw more limited success, though this fact was covered up by their PR. Reading Boyd's biography can be of enormous value not just for serving officers and defence designers but also for political leadership. By his own standards, Boyd failed — sabotaged by a bureaucracy that always wanted to go for the exotic, the costly, and the profitable over the efficient and effective. Safety, efficacy, and simplicity took a back seat. The system likes to fall back on 'tried and tested,' despite evidence of failure or limited success at best. It is interesting to note that even Boyd and his team could only manage 'good' designs — not 'great' ones. Yet partial success matters and must be lauded. So, dear Raksha Mantri, when you feel frustrated by the slowness, the tediousness, and the obstreperousness of the 'system,' you may take comfort in the fact that strong American personalities — like James Schlesinger, Caspar Weinberger, and Colin Powell — faced similar hurdles and found ways to work around them. Also read: Gaza, Ukraine being fought on techno-battlefields. Indian military is 3 decades behind Proposal for govt: A new ministry, please In the spirit of John Boyd, and running the risk of appearing impertinent, this writer offers the following suggestions. 1. Please create a Ministry of State position for 'Defence Design, Development, Production, and Procurement'. This should supersede the current setup focussed only on production. 2. Move the Minister of State to Visakhapatnam. Not every department needs to be based in Delhi. Space and Atomic Energy are based in Bengaluru and Mumbai. Incidentally, there will be some brownie points gained with your political partner, N Chandrababu Naidu. The Defence Ministry already has land in Visakhapatnam. Accommodating a lean department should not be a problem. Avoiding Delhi's miasmal winds will automatically provide impetus to the new ministry. 3. Some civil servants may be reluctant to move out of Delhi. There is no need to force them. This new ministry should comprise only willing personnel. The officers can be transferred to other ministries or to a central pool ensuring that they remain in Delhi as per their desire. 4. Junior and mid-level officers from all services should be deputed to Visakhapatnam. This group must be asked to read Coram's book and model themselves on Boyd's team. 5. Defence attachés in Kyiv, Moscow, Tel Aviv, and Teheran should be assigned to this ministry after their term ends. Those from Beijing, Washington, Seoul, Tokyo, and Paris should also be considered. They can bring fresh global ideas. 6. National private sector companies should be encouraged to engage with the new ministry. Stern warnings should be given to them that this engagement is for the benefit of the country and its defence. While they will certainly make profits, their role should not be that of short-term vultures. 7. These companies should be invited to second some of their best engineers and project managers for short-term assignments. These individuals should be clearly told that they will have to forego their present salaries and accept salaries on par with their government counterparts. If this is not acceptable, then they need not come. There is no compulsion. The new ministry wants only willing, enthusiastic, hungry people. These individuals will have to publicly take an oath that they will not be swayed by conflicts of interest and work indirectly for their employer's benefit. Their commitment for the next few years will only be to the country's defence. 8. A close liaison with the Department of Space and ISRO should be institutionalised. For external parties, both should appear seamlessly integrated. 9. Start-ups should be encouraged to pitch ideas to the new ministry. 10. The Raksha Mantri should visit Visakhapatnam every month for two days to review progress and assess start-up pitches. 11. The aim of the new ministry should be simple: within five years, India must have world class, state-of-the art defence equipment in multiple fields. While cutting-edge technology is important, effectiveness, cost-efficiency, and scalability should be the overarching themes. Risks will be taken in a calibrated manner. Risk-taking will not be punished. The focus will be on learning lessons and moving forward. 12. The Prime Minister should inaugurate the new ministry and visit it at least twice a year for the next five years. It is this writer's ardent hope that our country learns from John Boyd's ideas — fully and substantially, not just partially as has been the case with America. The time is now for us to build on the amazing foundation your government has laid in recent years. The next five can be really exciting. Jaithirth 'Jerry' Rao is a retired entrepreneur who lives in Lonavala. He has published three books: 'Notes from an Indian Conservative', 'The Indian Conservative', and 'Economist Gandhi'. Views are personal. (Edited by Prashant)
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Matthew Boyd Shares His Late Grandfather's Influence on His Cubs Free Agent Decision
Matthew Boyd Shares His Late Grandfather's Influence on His Cubs Free Agent Decision originally appeared on Athlon Sports. During the 2025 offseason, the Chicago Cubs added starting pitcher Matthew Boyd to the starting rotation. He was slotted behind Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele, and Jameson Taillon in the starting rotation. Advertisement Boyd wasn't expected to be a major contributor after injuries shortened seasons, and he struggled over the past couple of seasons. But he's found a home in Chicago. It was a great decision from both parties in the offseason. Bob Nightengale of USA Today shared Boyd's comments on his decision to join the Cubs in the offseason. "The Cubs expressed a lot of interest early, and the most interest," Boyd said. "... This is a place where I've always wanted to be, and there were so many reasons for us to be here, but I didn't know if it would ever happen." Before the Cubs expressed their interest in Boyd, he was interested in joining the Cubs. His interest stems from his family, which he also explained in Nightengale's piece. Advertisement "This franchise has got such a great history," Boyd explained. "And the fans are so into it, but there's a family connection here that was important to us." Chicago Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd (16) throws the ball against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at Wrigley Banks-Imagn Images That family connection comes from Boyd's grandfather, John Boyd, who passed away in 2019. Boyd's grandfather was a diehard Cubs fan, and Boyd always viewed the Cubs as special due to that connection. "It's pretty special to be here," Boyd said. "It's something that means a lot to me, to honor him like this." The Cubs' decision to bring Boyd to the team in the offseason has not only been great for Boyd off the field, but it's worked out incredibly well on it. Advertisement In his 17 starts this season, Boyd has a 2.65 ERA, an 8-3 record, 87 strikeouts, and a 1.084 WHIP. He's making a strong All-Star case and is in the middle of his best season as a professional. Boyd has been integral to the Cubs' success this season. He couldn't be in a better spot for himself, as he's able to honor his late grandfather, helping his favorite team make it back to the postseason. His decision in the offseason to join the Cubs was something Boyd had been interested in doing for some time. Now in Chicago, things have gone incredibly well for Boyd. It's been a perfect fit, as Boyd's having a career year for a team he's had a connection to for some time. Related: Cubs Set MLB and Team History Amid July 4th Clubbing of Cardinals Related: Cubs Expressing Interest in Gold Glove Matt Shaw Replacement This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Extra.ie
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Princess Diana's outfits on display in Newbridge
Fans of Princess Diana's fashion style need to get to Newbridge in Co Kildare this month if they want to view some rare gowns, shoes and accessories worn by her, before the items go under the hammer at auction in LA later this month. Entitled 'Elegance, A Royal Collection' the display of outfits worn by Princess Diana opened in Newbridge Silverware earlier this month and runs ONLY until June 17, so fans need to move fast if they want to get a look at the fashions worn by one of the world's most famous style icons. LA-based Julien's Auctions says the collection includes some of the most luxurious cocktail and evening gowns, suits, hats, shoes and handbags, some of which haven't been seen for nearly 30 years. Diana, Princess of Wales (1961 – 1997) at a welcome ceremony in Tauranga, New Zealand, 31st March 1983. She is wearing a hat by John Boyd. (Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images) The highest estimates belong to two dresses, a floral number Diana wore on several occasions between 1988 and 1992 and a cream silk Catherine Walker evening gown she wore during her 1986 tour of the Gulf. Both outfits are expected to fetch between 200 thousand and 300 thousand dollars each. Other big interest dresses include a yellow floral two-piece by Bruce Oldfield, a blue sleeveless shift dress designed by her close friend Gianni Versace and a black taffeta evening gown that she wore to an event in London in 1981. When Lady Diana Spencer became Princess of Wales with her wedding to Prince Charles in 1981, she held the fashion world captive with her fairytale wedding gown, a design crafted by David and Elizabeth Emanuel. The final toile of her wedding dress is on permanent display at the Museum of Style Icons. Interest in this collection is high, so fans need to get to Newbridge Silverware in County Kildare if they want the chance to view these beautiful pieces before they, no doubt, become the property of some Hollywood Celebrities after June 27th. Diana, Princess of Wales (1961 – 1997) sitting on a step at her home, Highgrove House, in Doughton, Gloucestershire, 18th July 1986. (Photo by Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images) If you fancy getting your hands on any of the pieces on display, the auction house is accepting bids online ahead of a live sale at The Peninsula in Beverly Hills, California on June 27th. The Collection is on view now until June 17th, and admission is free.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
National Black Farmers Association Condemn Proposal to Repeal Duty Drawback
"The Big, Beautiful Bill" Must Protect American Farmers, Protect Duty Drawback WASHINGTON, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Representing 130,000 members, the National Black Farmers Association (NBFA) is calling on the U.S. Senate to protect all farmers, especially those who grow American tobacco, by removing the provision to repeal the duty drawback incentive for U.S. tobacco manufacturers from the budget reconciliation bill. "What logic suggests that 'making America great again' is achieved on the backs of American farmers? Growers in North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, and across our nation will be jeopardized if the duty drawback incentive does not remain in place," said 4th-generation black farmer John Boyd, Jr., founder and president of the NBFA. "To some, the incentive may seem minor. However, to my members and growers across America, protecting the duty drawback is of great significance. On behalf of the National Black Farmers Association, I humbly plead that legislators do not jeopardize the current American agricultural economy nor the future generations of American farmers." Without the support of duty drawback, the outlook for U.S. tobacco exports becomes increasingly grim. Additionally, domestic tobacco consumption has steadily declined over the past decade, adversely affecting American tobacco farmers. Kimberly Foley, Executive Director of Tobacco Associates, recently wrote to Members of Congress: "Export growth is not just our future, it's our present. Duty drawback plays a quiet but essential role in keeping U.S. leaf attractive on the international stage." Duty drawbacks are not loopholes—they are essential safeguards. Removing them would reverse over 200 years of trade policy designed to support American exports and bolster domestic manufacturing. Drawbacks stimulate domestic manufacturing in the states and ensure that U.S. leaf tobacco remains competitive in the international marketplace. If legislators remove the drawback incentive, this would lead to a decrease in US-grown tobacco crops. "The announcement of this proposed repeal was yet another blow to our industry. American farmers are already in a state of emergency due to tariffs and cuts from USAID. Tobacco has historically been a vital "cash crop," providing the financial means for farmers to cultivate other crops, such as sweet potatoes and peanuts, and helping farm families sustain their livelihoods. Keeping the duty drawback incentive in place protects American tobacco growers and fulfills the Administration's promise to support, rather than punish, farmers," President Boyd emphasized. The current House version of the legislation removes the Duty Drawback provision specifically for tobacco companies while preserving it for all other industries. Eliminating this incentive for American tobacco manufacturers would severely impact the farming of American tobacco crops. About The National Black Farmers Association (NBFA) is a nonprofit organization representing African American farmers and their families in the United States. As an association, it serves tens of thousands of members across the nation. The NBFA's education and advocacy efforts have been focused on civil rights, land retention, access to public and private loans, education, and agricultural training, as well as rural economic development for Black and other small farmers. For additional information, visit MEDIA CONTACT: Ayona Anderson 469-834-9500 396161@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE National Black Farmers Association Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
