This brief addresses critical gaps in coalition data sharing that undermine alliance effectiveness in great power competition. Drawing from lessons learned building the INDOPACOM Mission Network—the DoD’s largest mission partner information domain—the paper identifies three key challenges: ineffective MPE-to-MPE connectivity, lack of standardized integration layers, and the need for data-centric and net-centric systems to coexist. SOSi’s Mission Partner Fabric (MP-Fabric) concept offers a solution through a data-centric network of networks approach that preserves existing investments while enabling seamless interconnection.
The MP-Fabric concept features three core enhancements: Resilient Transport using SD-WAN and Commercial Solutions for Classified to create global Zero Trust overlays; an API Integration Layer that enables secure MPE-to-MPE data sharing while preserving internal architectures; and a Unified Data Architecture built on NATO standards (NCDF, DCRA, and ACP240) that accelerates AI/ML implementation through standardized data access. Rather than forcing coalition partners into a single monolithic system, this approach transforms proprietary platforms into data sources rather than architectural bottlenecks, enabling both legacy net-centric operations and new data-centric services to operate seamlessly within the same environment. As coalition networks require immediate action to operate at mission pace, the paper calls for Cross Functional Teams and Operational Planning Teams to champion these concepts across all Combatant Commands.
