Ensuring Network Resilience: Testing, Validation, and AI-Driven Optimization

Why It Matters

Embedding lab‑tested AI and digital twins into defense networks ensures mission‑critical communications remain resilient against adversarial interference, directly safeguarding operational effectiveness and strategic advantage.

Key Takeaways

• Lab testing simulates jamming, cyber attacks to validate network resilience.
• AI-driven RAN controllers (RIC) and X‑apps automate spectrum optimization.
• Digital twins enable safe, high‑fidelity mission‑critical simulations for defense.
• Avoid automation bias by integrating explainable AI and human‑in‑the‑loop controls.
• Open RAN adoption reduces vendor lock‑in and accelerates multi‑vendor interoperability.

Summary

The Defense Communications Forum’s final session highlighted how modern military networks must evolve from traditional coverage‑centric designs to resilient, mission‑critical systems capable of surviving contested, electromagnetic‑dense battlefields. Owen O’Donnell of Vavi explained that rigorous lab testing, AI‑driven RAN intelligence, and digital twin technology together form a three‑layered defense against jamming, spoofing, and spectrum congestion. Key insights included the necessity of pre‑deployment stress testing that safely reproduces extreme interference, the rise of Open RAN’s RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) paired with X‑apps for real‑time spectrum allocation, and the use of synthetic data generators to train AI models on battlefield‑style scenarios. Vavi’s portfolio now spans 5G, private‑5G, electromagnetic warfare, and PNT tools, all designed to validate performance under hostile conditions. A notable example cited was the U.S. Army’s $6.5 million deployment of a RIC at Fort Bliss, where rapid spectrum re‑configuration was demonstrated for a mobile command post. The presenter also warned against automation bias, urging explainable AI and human‑in‑the‑loop safeguards, and showcased Vavi’s field tools that detect interference by monitoring energy‑to‑information ratios and timing anomalies. The broader implication is clear: defense stakeholders who embed testing, AI validation, and digital twins into their network lifecycle can reduce operational risk, maintain mission continuity, and avoid costly vendor lock‑in, positioning their forces for decisive advantage in increasingly contested electromagnetic environments.

Original Description

Recorded at Defense Communications Forum 2026.

Speakers:

Owen O'Donnell, Marketing Manager, VIAVI Solutions

Sulagna Saha, Technical Editor, RCRTech