Webinar Description
Key Takeaways
- Explores the data infrastructure and secure connectivity enabling autonomous military systems
- Covers airborne drones, unmanned ground vehicles, and maritime platforms
- Addresses data provenance, coalition interoperability, and cross-domain connectivity challenges
- Features Aaron Mulgrew, Field CTO at Everfox
- Relevant for defence technology professionals, military planners, and autonomous systems specialists
Introduction
Beyond the Drone: The Data Behind Autonomous Warfare is an episode of Fox Forum scheduled for 5 August 2026. The session examines the often-overlooked infrastructure that enables autonomous military platforms to function effectively in operational environments. While unmanned systems frequently capture public attention, this discussion shifts focus to the trusted data, secure connectivity, and mission systems that determine whether these platforms can deliver genuine tactical advantage.
About This Event
The session features Aaron Mulgrew, Field CTO at Everfox, who brings expertise in defence technology and secure information systems. The conversation spans the full spectrum of autonomous platforms currently reshaping military operations, including airborne drones, unmanned ground vehicles, and maritime and underwater systems. Rather than examining hardware capabilities in isolation, the discussion centres on the data architecture and connectivity frameworks that allow these systems to operate as part of integrated military networks.
The Infrastructure Powering Autonomous Operations
Modern autonomous warfare depends on a complex chain of systems extending from initial sensor data collection through to final engagement decisions. This sensor-to-shooter pipeline requires not only reliable hardware but also robust data handling at every stage. The session examines how artificial intelligence enables faster decision-making within this chain, while also exploring the safeguards necessary to ensure that AI-assisted conclusions remain trustworthy under operational pressure.
Data provenance and assurance have become critical concerns as autonomous systems assume greater responsibility in military contexts. Operators must be confident that the information guiding autonomous platforms has not been corrupted, manipulated, or degraded during transmission. Establishing this trust requires sophisticated verification mechanisms and clear chains of custody for mission-critical data.
Cross-Domain Connectivity and Coalition Interoperability
One of the most significant challenges facing defence organisations involves connecting autonomous systems across multiple operational domains. Air, land, sea, and underwater platforms must share information seamlessly while maintaining security protocols appropriate to each environment. This cross-domain connectivity becomes even more complex when coalition partners with different security classifications and technical standards must operate together.
Secure information sharing between allied nations requires careful balancing of operational effectiveness against intelligence protection. The discussion addresses how militaries are working to enable coalition interoperability without compromising sensitive capabilities or sources.
Policy Challenges in Rapidly Evolving Technology
A recurring theme throughout the session concerns the gap between technological advancement and policy development. Autonomous systems capabilities are progressing faster than the regulatory and doctrinal frameworks designed to govern their use. This creates uncertainty for military planners and technology developers alike, as they must anticipate future policy directions while delivering systems that meet current operational requirements.
Who Should Attend
This session is relevant for defence technology professionals, military planners, autonomous systems engineers, and those involved in secure communications and data architecture for military applications. Personnel working on coalition operations, cross-domain solutions, or AI integration in defence contexts will find the discussion particularly applicable to current operational challenges.