Mideast military forces are ramping up investments in command, control, communications and computer (C4) equipment and systems to increase situational awareness and achieve greater collaboration in the face of proliferating threats, which range from sophisticated electronic warfare to unpredictable asymmetric tactics.

Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), has expanded capabilities in C4 equipment and systems integration for its vehicles to meet these evolving operational needs.

Oshkosh is highlighting these capabilities at the ongoing Gulf Defense and Aerospace (GDA) 2013 Exhibition and Conference in Kuwait City, Kuwait (10-12 December 2013).

As the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), Oshkosh Defense simultaneously addresses the vehicle design and technology integration aspects through a streamlined C4 integration approach. This “first-pass” approach delivers an optimized vehicle that brings the network to the mission. When carried out by a third-party integrator, the C4 integration process often includes disassembling the vehicle, integrating the equipment via a trial-and-error approach, and reassembly. This introduces unnecessary risk, cost and delay to vehicle development and delivery. Oshkosh’s holistic approach and complete assembly line integration avoids these issues.

 “Connection to the network is only becoming more critical for mission success. Oshkosh’s unique C4 integration process improves the ability of forces in the field to reliably share information. We are committed to using our expertise in design and integration to offer the best value to our global customers,” said John Urias, Executive Vice President of Oshkosh Corporation and President of Oshkosh Defense.

A full range of C4 equipment, weapons and other systems are designed into the base vehicle, conforming to specific customer requirements and needs, and reducing the potential interference between systems and resulting in a more ergonomic vehicle.

Concurrent vehicle design and integration can also accelerate vehicle fielding. Oshkosh responded to the urgent need for MRAP All-Terrain Vehicles (M-ATV) in 2009 by delivering the vehicles pre-wired for C4 equipment. This enabled the U.S. military to more quickly integrate and field Oshkosh-produced M-ATVs, reaching a rate of more than 1,000 vehicles per month during peak production.

The company is demonstrating its full range of vehicle life-cycle sustainment and support services at the show.