Thus, a multidimensional "4π meta sensor-effector system" needs to be established where "4π" describes the entire volumetric space. This allows the required fast orchestration within the integrated sensor-effector network, not only as a counterbalance to the ground-based air defence networks of the enemy but also to the enemy's own FCAS and NGWS equivalent systems which are to be expected. This multifunctionality ensures that single sensors and effectors, for example, are able to perform several tasks simultaneously. Already today there are methods which are paving the way in this direction, for example e-scan radar systems or distributed apertures of passive sensor systems that are able to carry out several tasks synchronously, using for example electronic jet-efflux control and appropriate resource management.

These capabilities of the sensor-effector network must be integrated vertically into the mission system and horizontally across all performance dimensions in a service-oriented approach. The task is: perform and operate faster and more precisely (with the help of real-time capable sensor-effector networks/subnetworks) in the network than the enemy! It is essential that information is condensed adequately and smoothly across all levels of integration. Lieutenant General David A. Deptula (Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance)  recently identified a worst-case scenario which must be avoided which is the risk of "swimming in sensors but drowning in data" scenario.

Smart sensor systems in particular will make an important contribution to this. Supported by (AI) algorithms, these will adaptively generate a basic tactical information and data base that can be further aggregated and fused flexibly and interoperable at higher levels  This allows the goal-directed generation of a suitable information basis with required availability and reliability: the basis for an evaluation of the situation and for the decision support system of the pilot.

It is clear that, only the availability of a robust network makes this possible, and this in turn requires high-performance and secure datalinks. The high speed and agility of the involved actors require responsive and low-latency radio technology and procedures. The latter must also be interference and jam proof as well as difficult to detect and need to provide a high range while supplying a high data rate. Information protection by means of powerful crypto systems and with an inherent insensitivity to cyber-attacks are necessary due to the criticality of missions and the sensitivity of data. Specific applications requiring the use of video or image data transfer simultaneously call for even higher data rates. The combination of these demanding characteristics needs to be brought into service with low energy consumption and a small footprint to be able to operate agile airborne platforms of different sizes (e.g. small scale UAS).

For the fulfilment of the above-mentioned requirements the use of directional antennas (AESA = Active Electronically Scanned Array) will be indispensable and these will  need to be placed at various points distributed over the platforms to enable a complete, spherical (hence 4π) radio coverage in space. In keeping with the required multifunctionality, these antennas will also partly need to support additional capabilities such as those of electronic combat. Furthermore, AESAs must be adapted to the size of the flying platforms to not compromise their low detectability.

Future-proof solutions must meet suitable framework conditions in order to be able to provide a multidimensional "4π meta sensor-effector system". In addition to a suitable basis of different multifunctional sensor and effector systems and data links, flexible interfaces to and the capabilities of mission management functions need to be taken into account. The integration into a variety of platforms as well as into the C4I environment entail additional framework conditions. Accompanying to this, a suitable framework in the fields of education, mission planning, mission implementation as well as mission post-processing but also logistics needs to be established. The objective must be to implement the functionalities of networked effector and sensor systems, independent from a specific platform as well as across all performance dimensions (Air, Land, Sea) to allow the most effective use by the armed forces.

Indra together with FCMS and Thales kick off next design phase of the networked suite of sensors contributing to superiority of Next Generation Weapon System (NGWS)