Part 3: The Strategic Edge – MOSA and the Future of Joint Operations

A Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) is central to the Department of War’s vision for Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2). JADC2 is a framework that unites every sensor, shooter, and decision-maker across land, sea, air, space, and cyber. The goal of JADC2 is to enable a single, cohesive network capable of sharing data and coordinating operations in real time and MOSA provides the foundation that makes this vision achievable.

Effective JADC2 MOSA implementation ensures the architecture remains adaptable and sustainable across every domain. It defines the technical and business framework needed to connect complex, multi-domain systems into a unified force.

Enabling Seamless Interoperability

The greatest challenge to JADC2 is achieving true interoperability among thousands of legacy, proprietary, or “stove-piped” systems from different services and contractors. MOSA solves this through its emphasis on open standards, as previously discussed in this blog series. These standards underpin the open architecture frameworks essential to implementing JADC2 open standards, forming the basis for the three key elements discussed below.

• Standardized Communication: MOSA mandates the use of consensus-based, widely supported open standards for all interfaces. This ensures that a sensor on an Army vehicle can “speak the same language” as a command and control (C2) system on an Air Force platform, enabling machine-to-machine data sharing.
• Data-Centric Architecture: MOSA encourages a data-centric approach where the data itself is the common element. This is crucial for JADC2, as it allows systems to be decoupled and independent, with all components accessing a common set of data, enabling real-time decision-making at the speed of war.
• Integrating Legacy Systems: MOSA defines a rational path for integrating legacy systems. Instead of replacing every old platform, “adapters” or unique interfaces can be built to wrap the legacy system’s proprietary interface and convert it to a modern, open standard, bringing that asset into the JADC2 network efficiently.

Accelerating Capability and Technology Insertion (Agility)

JADC2 requires the ability to quickly integrate the latest technologies to maintain a strategic advantage. MOSA’s modularity ensures this agility.

• Rapid Technology Refresh: By mandating a modular and severable design, MOSA allows individual hardware components (like a new processor) or software components (like a new AI algorithm) to be “plugged” into a JADC2 node without redesigning the entire system. While systems integration and testing will always be necessary at the module level, this modularity significantly decreases complexity and time to upgrade or change functionality or capability in a MOSA-compliant system.
• Future-Proofing: An open architecture ensures the system is “built for change.” As former Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated, “MOSA allows platforms to use new technologies that haven’t even been invented yet,” a necessity for a long-term enterprise like JADC2.
• Domain Agnostic Integration: Standardized modules can be reused across different domain platforms, dramatically speeding up development and deployment of new joint capabilities.

Breaking Vendor Lock and Ensuring Affordability

Sustaining the Department of Defense’s JADC2 vision requires a framework that balances modernization with long-term affordability. Within the DoD JADC2 strategy, MOSA plays a critical role by enabling open competition and reducing dependence on proprietary systems. Its business model ensures that innovation remains cost-effective and accessible throughout the life of the program. Plus:

• Enhanced Competition: MOSA breaks the lock-in created by proprietary systems. If a system’s interface is defined by an open standard, any qualified vendor can develop and provide a compatible component, leading to **competition** for development and sustainment contracts.
• Reduced Total Cost of Ownership: By introducing competition and simplifying upgrades (only replacing the module, not the platform), MOSA significantly lowers life-cycle costs and minimizes sustainment burden, freeing up funds to invest in future JADC2 capabilities.

The Cultural Shift Behind JADC2 MOSA Implementation

Make no mistake, the adoption of MOSA by the DoD is a culture shift. The defense industrial base is evolving and adapting to a new way of conducting business. MOSA is about adopting new contracting strategies and shifting the defense culture away from proprietary silos toward collaborative, competitive innovation, all themes that will ultimately benefit the warfighter.

For guidance on applying MOSA principles within your JADC2 program, contact the New Wave Design team.