Internet of Things in the Army Internet of Battle Things, IoBT

The rapid spread Internet of Things (,) Internet of Things IoT is facilitated by the development of machine intelligence network communications, and "things" are more useful when they actively exchange information with each other. This also applies to intellectual technology on the battlefields - the Internet of Battle Things (IoBT): by exchanging data, such "things" can be useful for soldiers in battle. In some ways, IoBT is already the reality[1]^[1][2][3]next few years he is not yet destined to fully cover the battlefield.

On the battlefields of the future, all kinds of devices will operate, both "reasonable" and not very, which have to solve a wide range of tasks, recording information and interacting with each other and ^[4] Among these devices will be sensors, equipment, weapons, vehicles, robots and wearable equipment (Figure 1), capable of selectively receiving and processing information, performing intermediary functions when clarifying the essence of the data, conducting coordinated defensive operations, as well as acting on the enemy in various ways. All these tasks will be solved jointly - the devices will continuously communicate, coordinate and coordinate their actions, developing and performing tasks.

Within the framework of the Internet of Military Things, data exchange and interaction of various systems and devices take place

For this grandiose picture to become a reality, it is necessary to solve a number of problems - in particular, to provide a flexible connection between things that would adapt to the conditions of rapidly changing situations on the battlefield. To do this, you need to organize management of a large number of dynamic assets (devices, channels, etc.), while making many complex compromises. The adaptation of the network, its management and its reorganization should take place for the most part autonomously, without attracting people to support and accompany it.

In addition, the need to understand the flows of information generated by IoBT would greatly complicate the performance of a combat mission for people in extreme cognitive and physical activity. Therefore, IoBT should help people benefit from the ocean of data, taking into account the changing mission objectives.

Naturally, the enemy will not only be a physical threat to people and IoBT, but will also try to penetrate the network itself. Thus, IoBT itself will become a "battlefield" with the participation of defenders and attackers.

2024: The volume of the global military Internet of Things market for the year reached $62.38 billion

In 2024, costs in the global military Internet of Things (IoT) market amounted to $62.38 billion. More than a third of this amount fell on the North American region. The relevant data are provided in a Fortune Business Insights study, the results of which TAdviser reviewed in early December 2025.

IoT in the defense sector covers a wide range of interconnected devices, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), all kinds of sensors, wearable biometric instruments, autonomous vehicles, weapons systems and command centers. The equipment is combined through communication channels, forming a single integrated environment. The devices constantly exchange data, which allows you to coordinate the actions of units and equipment in real time, monitor the health of soldiers on the battlefield, track resources, predict the situation, etc. In fact, the concept of IoT is revolutionizing military operations, helping to make informed decisions based on data.

The authors of the study note that governments around the world are aware of the potential of the Internet of Things in the defense sector. For example, real-time monitoring of assets using IoT sensors reduces losses and ensures timely delivery of important cargo in difficult conditions. IoT-based logistics management minimizes the human factor by ensuring automated replenishment.

An important driver of the industry is artificial intelligence. The convergence of neural networks with IoT platforms provides advanced analytical functions that radically change the decision-making processes in the military sector. Machine learning algorithms process vast amounts of information from various sensors to predict equipment failures, optimize resource allocation, and provide critical information for tactical planning. The integration of digital twin technology with Internet of Things networks allows you to create virtual copies of military assets to practice various actions.

Another growth factor is the active development of 5G infrastructure. Such networks make it possible to quickly receive up-to-date data, which improves the operation of autonomous vehicles, drones and threat response systems.

The convergence of 5G communication with military systems of the Internet of Things marks a paradigm shift towards network-centric warfare solutions that provide ultra-low latency and connectivity for a huge number of devices, analysts say.

In terms of the scope of military IoT, C4ISR (command, control, communications, computer systems, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance), autonomous means, logistics and supply, monitoring the health and effectiveness of soldiers, etc. In 2024, 31.9% of the costs fell on the first of the listed areas. From a geographical point of view, North America leads with 37.26%, or $23.24 billion. Major industry players globally are:

• Amazon Web Services;
• Cisco Systems;
• Curtiss-Wright;
• Elbit Systems;
• Eutelsat Group;
• General Dynamics Mission Systems;
• Honeywell International;
• Iridium Communications;
• L3Harris Technologies;
• Leonardo;
• Microsoft;
• Nokia;
• Northrop Grumman;
• Palantir Technologies;
• RTX Corporation ( Raytheon );
• Semtech;
• Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson;
• Thales;
• Viasat.

Fortune Business Insights analysts forecast that the Compound Percentage CAGR in the market in question will be 10.3% going forward. Thus, by 2032, costs could increase to about $152.33 billion.^[5]

2021: Internet of Things, What a Manager Needs to Know

Internet of Things, aka IoT (Internet of Things). What is it? How is this different from M2M? How can this be used? How much is it? How to implement? Read more here.

2019: US Army adopts Internet of Things

In early August 2019, it became known that the research laboratory of the US ground forces is studying how to use the capabilities and infrastructure "smart" city on the battlefield. The lab is already testing LoRaWAN a long-range global network (), a protocol often used in smart cities to combine devices and sensors Internet of things () IoT in dense urban areas. More. here

See also

• Main section: Internet of Things (IoT)
• MILITARY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX
• IoT-platforms
• IIoT - Industrial Internet of Things

• Internet of Things in Telecom
• Internet of Things in Medicine
• Internet of things in housing and communal services
• Internet of Things in the Electric Power Industry
• Internet of Battle Things (IoBT)

Notes