DoD, NATO put out requests for military technology built on blockchain

Seal of the United States Department of Defense.

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have put out requests for millitary-related technology built on the blockchain, Defense One reports.

The DoD’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) wants to create a secure messaging service that uses the blockchain, consisting of a web or messaging app that allows for secure communication between departments and potentially combat troops. DARPA listed this request on the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program web portal in late April.

Specifically, the project would consist of three phases:

1. Develop the platform based on an existing blockchain framework.
2. Test a working prototype that has features including decentralized back-end blockchain implementation and data aggregation/reconstruction.
3. Full-scale implementation of the platform with features that include perfect forward and backward secrecy and a decentralized infrastructure that’s resilient to cyber-attacks.

The flag of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

NATO launched a similar call to blockchain-based solutions as part of its 2016 Innovation Challenge, which concluded on May 10th. Innovators were asked to submit a proposal outlining a solution in one of the following four areas:

1. Cyber Defense
2. Internet of Things
3. Military Applications of Blockchains
4. Cognitive computing and machine learning

Within the Blockchain category, innovators could submit solutions related to military logistics, procurement and finance, or a different area of military interest.

Image credits – Public domain images