Neuro-Secure Manned-Unmanned Teaming: A Reference Architecture for Cognitive-Adaptive Warfighting Capability

Abstract

Modern military operations are reaching levels of cognitive complexity that increasingly exceed the capacity of traditional human-machine interfaces. While non-invasive brain-computer interfaces and neuro-adaptive systems demonstrate technical feasibility, a critical transition gap persists between controlled demonstrations and sustained warfighter capability. This paper contributes a Neuro-Secure Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) Reference Architecture, a transition-oriented model integrating cognitive-state sensing, trust-adaptive autonomy, neural-signal and human-machine-interface cybersecurity, neurocognitive-integrity safeguards, and modular software integration. Its objective is Cognitive Overmatch: the ability of human-machine teams to maintain decision quality, cognitive tempo, workload control, and mission effectiveness under contested, high-tempo conditions. The paper argues that current limitations are architectural rather than purely technical. It proposes a layered design and a phased roadmap spanning passive neuroadaptive monitoring, bounded adaptive autonomy, and future secure neuro-interaction. The contribution is a reference architecture and readiness pathway that defines what must be engineered, validated, secured, and governed for neuro-adaptive MUM-T to mature into reliable and scalable warfighter capability.