The Potential for Intelligent Software Agents in Defence Simulation

Experience with multi-agent applications has shown the intelligent agent to be a valuable software concept with the potential to be more widely used in defence command decision modelling. The ability of intelligent agents to perform simple tasks autonomously has aroused much interest in potential military simulation applications, such as to support procurement, force development, evaluation of C3 structures, and training. Team work requires both coordination and shared goals. The emerging view is that intentionality, and team behaviour, needs to built into the team architecture from the ground up. Current research in teams is directed towards BDI (Belief, Desire, Intention) agents in command and control. This paper describes the application of intelligent software agents to military simulation. The deployment of applications in parallel with further development and formalisation of the BDI agent architecture has given rise to a landmark R&D capability in multi-agent systems based in Australia.