It is therefore not surprising that the current set of regulations deals with this topic on no more than 12 pages.This circumstance, along with fast growing subsurface structures initiated the establishment of the research group NIKE2 which deals with all aspects of military operations in subsurface service structures beingessential for the provision of public services as traffic,energy, diverse provision and disposal of services, sewage and so on since two years. Subsurface sperations are majorchallenges, but lack of lighting and ventilation, the environmental conditions within a widely dispersed infrastructure and an opponent who specifically uses these factors as part of a hybrid attack, constitute a complex scenario bringing action forces to their limits.
The challenges associated with coping with complex operations result from the multidimensionality and branching nature of underground structures.
A crucial, because it is vital for survival, prerequisite for a successful operation in complex operations underground is precise positioning of your own forces to avoid situations in tangled underground situations, in which soldiers open fire on their own strength (blue-on-blue).
Based on a complex scenario within anurban traffic hub, the envisaged research project NIKE BLUETRACK will conduct a technology analysis to identify existing technologies and validate test data, develop algorithms and procedures for
precise positioning for easy to carry navigation solutions in a GNSS-denied environment and visualise them in a Proof-
of-concept within the Subsurface Operations Mission Tool (SOMT). The Montan universitaet ́s “Zentrum am Berg” will
serve as a unique testing environment.
Criteria for success are the integration within a comprehensive approach along different lines of development within the NIKE Program striving for the full operational capability of a task force capable to operate in a subterranean environment as well
as a well-balanced consortium.