The rapid advancement of military technology continues to transform the operational landscape of modern warfare. Cavalry operations (CavOps), traditionally focused on reconnaissance and rapid manoeuvre, now increasingly rely on sophisticated sensor systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to maintain battlefield superiority.

This article explores the integration of the Observation Targeting and Surveillance Systems (OTAS) and drone swarms controlled from the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), coupled with the Digital Aided Fire Solution (DAFS). Focusing on the Norwegian Army's implementation efforts, it

evaluates how this technological fusion enhances targeting capabilities and situational awareness whilst critically examining the cost-effectiveness and tactical trade-offs associated with tethered drone systems.

Cavalry Formations and Their Operational Concepts: The Case of Porsanger Battalion

A cavalry formation primarily conducts its missions as part of enabling operations (US ARMY, 2016, p. 12) . Enabling operations are operations that facilitate a transition to either offensive or defensive operations (NATO Standardization Agency, 2009, p. 185) . Within this spectrum, a cavalry formation must be capable of conducting reconnaissance and security operations. Therefore, it is important to combine firepower, manoeuvre, and protection with the ability to identify targets.

Porsanger Battalion, within the framework of the Finnmark Brigade, is Norway's only pure cavalry formation dimensioned for this role. Norway has chosen to use the CV90 platform for the concept development of such a cavalry formation. Similar to several Nordic countries, more are now recognising the platform's utility in terms of adaptability and flexibility, acquiring the CV90 platform for their own armed forces (Ministry of Defence, 2025)

The CV90 Platform and OTAS Capabilities

The CV90 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), developed by BAE Systems Hägglunds and fielded by several NATO countries, is a modular, highly adaptable platform tailored for reconnaissance and combat operations in demanding environments. Its open digital architecture enables integration of advanced mission systems, transforming the vehicle into a networked sensor and command node.

A key capability enhancer is the Observation Targeting and Surveillance Systems (OTAS), which significantly improves the CV90's effectiveness in surveillance, target acquisition, and precision engagement.

In the Norwegian CV90 reconnaissance configuration, OTAS incorporates the Chess Dynamics Hawkeye Modular Mission Pod (MMP); a mast-mounted, multi-sensor suite combining electro-optical and infrared sensors, a high-power daylight camera, a long-range laser rangefinder (>30 km), a laser pointer, and a compact radar system for target detection and tracking. This radar capability provides persistent surveillance and allows for wide-area situational awareness, even in degraded visual environments.

The system meets Category 1 Target Location Error (TLE) standards, the highest level of geolocation accuracy in NATO, enabling precise engagement at ranges beyond 20 km. Integrated into either a local Combat Management System (CMS) or a broader Battlefield Information System (BIS), and enhanced by AI-powered classification and tracking tools, OTAS delivers near-real-time threat detection and dissemination across the network.

This dramatically increases the unit's operational autonomy and survivability in fast-paced, sensor-dense battlespaces (Chess Dynamics, 2023) .

Drone Swarms and Digital Fire Solutions Integration

Integrating drone swarms directly into the CV90's command ecosystem represents a fundamental shift in how reconnaissance and targeting operations are conducted. Unlike conventional UAV operations that depend on external ground control stations, deploying and controlling drone swarms from within the vehicle reduces communication latency and enhances tactical responsiveness (Edvardsen & Hansen, 2024)...