UK's digital targeting web tested with UK Commando Force in Norway

A Merlin Mk4 from Commando Helicopter Forces 845 Naval Air Squadron conducting training with a 105mm Light Gun from 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery during exercise ‘Cold Response 2026' at Camp Viking in Norway in March. (UK MoD/Crown copyright)

The UK's digital targeting web was used in exercises with Royal Marines Commandos in Norway in March, Air Vice-Marshal Simon Strasdin, Director, Integrated Warfare Centre (IWC), Cyber and Specialist Operations Command told Janes on 25 March.

Norway testing

“We deployed software engineers to Norway to work alongside the commandos,” AVM Strasdin said at the Air & Space Power Association's Battlespace Advantage Symposium in London. Data from UK sources was added to the digital targeting web and sent to Royal Marines Commandos on the ground in Norway, according to AVM Strasdin. They were then able to transfer important data to an allied F-35 fighter and link to a high mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS). “We're able to extract battle damage assessment, push that back to the commando in the trench and then back to the strategic HQ in the UK,” AVM Strasdin said, adding that “we're able to do that in milliseconds.”

The first evolution of the digital targeting web was tested in Norway with the UK Commando Force (UKCF) and allied partners. “Now, we will build on the back of that to actually provide that incremental uplift towards the end of the year,” AVM Strasdin confirmed to Janes . On 5 January 2026 Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard said in a written parliamentary statement, that the first elements of the digital targeting web, or a minimal viable product, will be delivered in 2026.