Software-defined warships of tomorrow

US Navy warships received in 2024 their first-ever over-the-air software updates in combat, enhancing their Aegis combat systems to counter missile threats in the Red Sea. This marks a shift towards software-defined warfare, where warfighting platforms are continuously upgraded through software rather than relying on slow, expensive hardware modifications.

Traditional naval platforms evolve over decades, but software-defined warships will update rapidly, enhancing capabilities through faster "learn-update-employ" cycles. An article by the War on the Rocks publication points out, that future warships will require powerful, upgradeable computing hardware, standardized software architectures, and cybersecurity measures to prevent vulnerabilities. Lessons from commercial industries, such as Tesla's software-driven approach, highlight the importance of adaptable, modular systems.

To achieve this, the article's authors believe that for any naval force to succesfully advance forward, the following changes should be implemented: 

Advanced Computing and Open Hardware Standards

Software-defined warships should be equipped with powerful and upgradeable computing and networking hardware, such as GPUs, CPUs, routers, and switches. To maximize adaptability, they should use commercial computing architectures (x86 or ARM) rather than proprietary chipsets, enabling a broader range of developers to contribute to naval software systems.

Standardized and Modular Software Architectures

Warships should adopt standardized software and data architectures, serving as a "digital keel" for continuous upgrades. Leveraging open-source tools and commercial standards will accelerate update cycles, similar to WWII manufacturing standardization, allowing faster software improvements and broader industry participation.

Robust Cybersecurity Measures

As digital reliance increases, warships become more vulnerable to cyber threats. To prevent disruptions like the 1997 USS Yorktown incident, maritime forces should implement zero-trust security principles, air-gap critical systems, and use one-directional data diodes to extract new data while restricting remote system updates.

Unmanned ships exemplify software-centric naval warfare, integrating extensive computing and AI to function without crews. China's early adoption of software-defined naval architecture, such as for the JARI unmanned surface vehicle, underscores the urgency for the US to advance in this domain. The upcoming DDG-X destroyer reflects this shift, prioritizing onboard computing and software adaptability over fixed weaponry, allowing sailors to install updates as easily as downloading apps.

By transitioning to software-defined warships, the Navy can ensure continuous adaptability, outpacing adversaries through rapid technological evolution. The future of naval warfare depends on integrating commercial digital advancements to maintain strategic superiority.

By Nazrin Sadigova