CourseDefense, Military Engineering & Land Systems Applications open

Diploma in NATO Standards for CMS Systems

Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in NATO standards for combat management systems (CMS), with 8 modules covering naval CMS, NATO tactical data links, open architectures and middleware, sensor integration, interoperability in combined operations, cybersecurity and verification and certification, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration800 hours · 6–8 months
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Understand the functional architecture of naval combat management systems.

02

Interpret NATO tactical data link standards.

03

Apply real-time middleware and open architectures.

04

Manage the integration of on-board sensors and systems.

05

Assess interoperability in combined operations.

06

Take cybersecurity and system safety requirements into account.

07

Plan the verification and certification of combat systems.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Naval combat systems engineers.
  • Systems architects in naval defence.
  • Tactical data link engineers.
  • Integration and test engineers.
  • NATO interoperability specialists.
  • Real-time software engineers.
  • Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter naval defence.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • STANAG 5516 (Link 16)
  • STANAG 5511 (Link 11)
  • STANAG 5522 (Link 22)
  • STANAG 5518 (JREAP)
  • MIL-STD-6016 (TADIL J messages)
  • OMG DDS (Data Distribution Service)
  • IEC 61162 (maritime navigation equipment interfaces)
  • ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288 (system life-cycle processes)
  • RTI Connext DDS
  • Cameo Systems Modeler
  • Wireshark
  • MATLAB
Syllabus

8 modules

  1. 1.1Functions of a naval CMS
  2. 1.2Common tactical picture
  3. 1.3Sensor data fusion
  4. 1.4Track management
  5. 1.5Operator decision support
  6. 1.6Centralised and distributed architectures
  7. 1.7Historical evolution of CMS
  8. 1.8European combat system programmes
  9. 1.9Human factors in consoles
  10. 1.10Case study: functional architecture of a CMS
  1. 2.1Structure of NATO naval standardisation
  2. 2.2Link 11 and its legacy
  3. 2.3Link 16 and J-series messages
  4. 2.4Link 22 and its evolution
  5. 2.5JREAP over IP
  6. 2.6Data link network management
  7. 2.7Data link conformance testing
  8. 2.8Interoperability certification
  9. 2.9Change management in standards
  10. 2.10Practical exercise: analysis of data link messages
  1. 3.1Open systems architectures
  2. 3.2Data Distribution Service (DDS)
  3. 3.3Real-time quality of service
  4. 3.4Partitioning and virtualisation
  5. 3.5Containers in embedded systems
  6. 3.6Standardised interfaces
  7. 3.7Modularity and obsolescence
  8. 3.8Safety-critical real-time software
  9. 3.9Architecture modelling
  10. 3.10Lab: track communication with DDS
  1. 4.1Surveillance radars and their interface
  2. 4.2Sonar and acoustic systems
  3. 4.3Electro-optical systems
  4. 4.4Navigation and platform data
  5. 4.5IEC 61162 interfaces
  6. 4.6Time synchronisation
  7. 4.7Data recording
  8. 4.8System configuration management
  9. 4.9Integration at the shipyard
  10. 4.10Case study: integration plan for a new sensor
  1. 5.1Allied interoperability requirements
  2. 5.2Federated Mission Networking
  3. 5.3Exchange of classified information
  4. 5.4Multi-level gateways
  5. 5.5Interoperability exercises
  6. 5.6Identity management
  7. 5.7Coordination with air forces
  8. 5.8Bandwidth limitations
  9. 5.9Lessons learned
  10. 5.10Workshop: interoperability matrix for a frigate
  1. 6.1Threats to embedded systems
  2. 6.2Defence in depth
  3. 6.3On-board network segmentation
  4. 6.4Security accreditation
  5. 6.5Functional safety of the system
  6. 6.6Cybersecurity monitoring
  7. 6.7Patch management on ships
  8. 6.8Software supply chain
  9. 6.9Incident response
  10. 6.10Practical exercise: risk analysis of on-board cybersecurity
  1. 7.1Systems engineering to ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288
  2. 7.2Verification strategy
  3. 7.3Land-based integration centres
  4. 7.4Harbour and sea trials
  5. 7.5Simulation and stimulation
  6. 7.6Maintaining interoperability certification
  7. 7.7Non-conformance management
  8. 7.8Maintaining certification
  9. 7.9Through-life support
  10. 7.10Case study: sea trials plan for a CMS
  1. 8.1Defining the ship and mission
  2. 8.2Functional requirements
  3. 8.3System architecture
  4. 8.4Required data links
  5. 8.5Integration plan
  6. 8.6Cybersecurity analysis
  7. 8.7Verification plan
  8. 8.8NATO compliance matrix
  9. 8.9Report and presentation
  10. 8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, so it fits around your job.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is RTI Connext DDS, Cameo Systems Modeler, Wireshark and MATLAB, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real procedures: interoperability analysis of data link messages, combat system architecture modelling and review of an on-board integration plan. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrative project.

Standards covered: STANAG 5516, STANAG 5511, STANAG 5522, STANAG 5518, MIL-STD-6016, OMG DDS, IEC 61162, ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of STANAG 5516 (Link 16), STANAG 5511 (Link 11) and STANAG 5522 (Link 22) applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:RTI Connext DDS, Cameo Systems Modeler, Wireshark and MATLAB, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Final project:a NATO-compliant CMS concept for a ship, from mission and architecture to data links, integration, cybersecurity and the NATO compliance matrix, reviewed by your tutor.
Flexible format:100% online, no fixed timetables, compatible with full-time work.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Define ship and mission
Define the ship, its mission and the functional requirements of the CMS.
Design the architecture
Develop the system architecture and identify the required data links.
Plan integration and security
Draw up the integration plan and the cybersecurity analysis.
Verification and compliance
Prepare the verification plan and the NATO compliance matrix.
Final project
Present the complete CMS concept in a report reviewed by your tutor.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Naval Combat Systems EngineerSystems ArchitectTactical Data Link EngineerIntegration and Test EngineerNATO Interoperability SpecialistReal-Time Software Engineer
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
  • A computer capable of running the programme software and an internet connection.
  • English sufficient to read technical standards.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.

You work with RTI Connext DDS, Cameo Systems Modeler, Wireshark and MATLAB, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.

A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.

Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.

Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), a suitable computer and English sufficient to read technical standards.

Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.

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