Military IoT from Management to Perception: Challenges and Opportunities Across Layers

The dynamic and challenging nature of battlefield scenarios necessitates robust, secure, and efficient networking systems to connect and share context-aware information timely, which is crucial for achieving precision and mission success. The Military Internet of Things (MIoT) has the potential to fulfill these demands holistically and coherently. MIoT is pivotal in creating a networked environment where interconnected heterogeneous devices enhance situational awareness, communication, and decision-making. Yet, dynamic conditions (e.g., device heterogeneity, mobility, unreliable wireless communication, operation scenarios, etc.) impose challenges across different layers in common coalition domains. This article discusses these challenges, current literature, and future design advances related to security/privacy, mobility, robustness, and data-driven AI solutions in potential MIoT applications.