Assessment of Options for BTIS

Polaris, under contract to Dstl, conducted a Balance of Investment (BOI) study to look at options for deploying a Battlefield Target Identification System (BTIS), in order to reduce 'friendly fire' incidents between UK forces, when tanks or armoured vehicles accidentally engage one another in the heat of battle.

The study examined a diverse range of alternative approaches from across the Defence Lines of Development (DLoDs). These not only included a number of technology solutions, but also improvements to training, tactics and procedures.

The Perform™ methodology informed the study approach, and made it possible consistently to compare these very different options in terms of effectiveness, cost and risk. The MARVEL BOI tool was employed to quantify inputs from Military Judgement Panels and other sources of expert knowledge, resulting in 'scores' for each option. One of the most powerful features of the study approach was the ability quickly to develop and 'score' bundles of 2 or 3 options, rather than simply looking at each alternative in isolation.

The results were illuminating because they identified a number of cost-effective solutions, including technology options and bundles of training options. These helped to inform a re-evaluation of the BTIS strategy, and provided evidence to support the business case for significant future investment to tackle this problem.