A Dynamic Data Driven Real Time Decision Support System for Optimal Resources Assessment, Analysing and Assignment

Abstract

In military system, threat optimization is reflected by the vigilant ability to assign weapon through the use of critical decision making process. A significant problem that commanders face is to utilize the resources optimally in the complex and time constrained situations. With new technological advancements, complexity in ‘Decision Support System’ for TEWA (Threat Evaluation and Weapon Assignment) in Air Defence has arisen. A holistic view is required to overcome the limitation of resource deployment and TEWA which exist in literature pertaining to Air Defense related studies focusing weapons deployment, effective utilization of resources and TEWA. No specific study could be found for effective resource deployment in Air Defense. In addition, several challenges are involved in TEWA-DSS. The most significant is the application of new technologies for better in quick session of time. Enormous benefits and wide range solutions have been derived in this perspective which is repeatedly mentioned in recent literature. However, each solution inherently carries some specific as well as generalized limitations. The work presented in this dissertation has put forward a pioneer approach in which TEWA parameters are derived for threat evaluation, effective resource deployment and weapon assignment keeping in view information available at hand from relevant sources in the domain of Air Defense mechanism. Based on 3-round Delphi technique, parameters for radar/weapon deployment and TEWA were identified. Afterwards, these parameters have been used in proposing innovative models for (1) resource deployment and (2) TEWA using 3-dimensional Stable Marriage Algorithm (3-D SMA) incorporating missing parameters of resource inventory and supply information. Consequently, an approach has emerged that is capable of handling multiple threats simultaneously by assigning weapons in such a way that the protocol establishes a connection between threat parameters and weapon deployment and assignment for critical decision making process. Hence it outperforms all other techniques/approaches currently available. Another hallmark of proposed approach is prioritizing threats based on its index and respond accordingly by taking into account weapon scheduling. The weapons are assigned on the basis of its kill probability. Findings of this study showed 25% improvement in threat neutralization, 31 % reduction is ammunition use, whereas 28.5% less damages to assets when compared with other approaches. The study also included the use of Analytical Hierarchy Approach (AHP), a state of the art technique for rational decision making which exclude personal bias and refers to logical judgment. The results reported here has strong emphasis on multi-threat resolution and proposed Afshan Naseem | RTDSS x solutions to elucidate TEWA using AHP proved that desired results can be achieved in real time scenario. A three-pronged process was adopted in this context i.e. threat perception as priority step followed by mechanisms of threat evaluation and finally scheduling of weapons leading to ultimate weapon assignment. It is worth mentioning that most significant aspect of this study is inclusion of a large number of parameters to develop a model and overcome all relevant constraints to attain accuracy in neutralizing threats and simultaneously achieving other objectives of Air Defense perfection such as minimum damage to vital assets as well as reduced amount of ammunition use. In conclusion, it seems reasonable to believe that TEWA approach presented in research work offers a better efficiency and encouraging decision making environment to Air Defense commanders in crucial time.