Tactical vehicle for immediate action in response to incidents in cyberspace (2025)

Abstract

In the context of the 21st century, military conflicts have evolved rapidly in various aspects, especially in terms of technology. These conflicts often pit disparate opponents against each other, creating asymmetric and hybrid conflicts; this situation brings with it the need to incorporate new operational tactics with their corresponding doctrines and tools.
In this regard, combat scenarios only employ electronic warfare systems aimed at intervening in and blocking the communications spectrum. However, emerging functionalities from the digital domain, such as artificial intelligence applied to combat or the use of computer forensics, are not used comprehensively.
During the course of this research, a survey was conducted of different vehicles, applications, and technological systems applied to the field of cyberwarfare. As a result, the creation of a mobile computer laboratory for immediate action in response to incidents in cyberspace, called VLAIC (light vehicle for analysis, investigation, and cyber defense), is proposed. The design is organized around three main modules that allow for comprehensive and specialized operation: research area, operational electronics sector, and a module dedicated to digital forensic analysis.
As a strategic tool in the cyber domain, this vehicle with DFIR capabilities is highly versatile, allowing it to be deployed in times of war or peace. Such is the case with critical infrastructure assistance tasks—whether civilian or military—in the event of a cyberattack, constituting a clear example of application in non-war contexts.
Given the constant technological evolution, it is essential to increase existing capabilities and resources in cyber defense. That is why there are plans to provide this capability (which does not currently exist) to the Argentine Armed Forces and bring them up to a level that will enable them to face new global technological challenges.