Vanguard
- A system of systems
Since its inception in 2016, the Vanguard solution has undergone multiple development cycles, evolving into a fleet of vessels for diverse tasks. Two platform designs have been introduced: the Sheltered Water Platform (SWP) and the Blue Water Platform (BWP).
Vanguard has also been developed into a composite system of manned and unmanned capabilities, offering greater operational flexibility. Key Norwegian technologies, including autonomy, play a crucial role. The manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) concept has received significant focus for experimentation and development.
With experience from over 30,000 vessels featuring Norwegian technology, the Norwegian maritime cluster has the expertise to determine which equipment should be standardized. The Vanguard solution integrates significant Norwegian technology, supporting maritime subcontractors across all counties.
Unmanned systems in maritime warfare enhance protection by reducing risk to personnel, as time and space can be managed differently than in traditional operations. As these factors become increasingly compressed, higher attrition is expected. Future systems must account for this when replacing legacy platforms and shaping naval structures. The ability to build and commission new systems quickly will be critical to maintaining capability in both quantity and quality, addressing increased vulnerability and expected attrition.
Recognising the fundamental differences between commercial and military shipbuilding highlights the merit of the principle "as commercial as possible and military as necessary." Commercial vessels are built far more rapidly than naval ships, but this approach alone may not be sufficient when accounting for potential attrition rates. As technology evolves, a new maritime warfare concept will likely emerge to address future challenges while maintaining operational capability.
A part of the solution could be developing toolboxes that easily can be deployed onto manned and un-manned units, modules providing special capabilities operated locally or from afar that are “plug & play” designed for various contingencies or a combination of contingencies.
A navy and coastguard must be prepared for contingencies across the full spectrum of conflict. However, a "one size fits all" approach cannot fully meet their diverse roles and requirements, posing a key challenge in capability development.
Standardising
The Vanguard solution is scalable and adaptable, with vessels equipped with mission- or capacity-specific toolboxes and modules. A standardised design ensures they appear nearly identical from an operator’s perspective, regardless of size or function. The purpose is:
-
To ensure greater flexibility in staffing and hence operations, through that personnel receive training and education in the same systems and can more easily be used between the different vessels
-
To reduce operating costs through economies of scale
-
To increase readiness by ensuring the availability of systems and products
By integrating the latest civilian expertise and technology, the Vanguard Solution increases operational availability and readiness. This is achieved through comprehensive standardisation across vessel classes, reducing costs for acquisition, training, configuration, and maintenance management.
Standardised vessels will significantly reduce costs by achieving economies of scale through a common design philosophy. Their construction will also partially follow proven civilian principles and concepts, which offer tested and effective cost-saving benefits.
The thoughts centred around standardisation are among other things related to:
-
Volume
The volume of identical or similar platforms and systems having a potential for reduced investment and running costs compared to the traditional approach
-
Similarity
Similarity in platform, systems and system designs will reduce the TLS requirements in various areas for several reasons, e.g. repairs, maintenance management, configuration management, and project management
-
Streamline
A common platform, systems, and design will streamline education and training, reducing the number of course variants and leading to potential cost savings.
-
Flexibility
Provide greater flexibility and resilience in human resource management