This study has analysed how the concept of the "transparent battlefield" can be understood and defined. With a qualitative approach and text analyses grounded in grounded theory methodology, the study conducts a military-theoretical analysis covering a period of 50 years. The study also examines the extent to which digital technological innovations have contributed to increased battlefield visibility.
The findings indicate that transparency can be understood as a pursuit of situational understanding with purpose to reduce the fog of war. This is made possible through the integration of multiple systems and collaboration across various domains. The study demonstrates that technological development has occurred gradually, which has been necessary to enable methodological and organizational adaptation.
The use of military technology also reveals a dependency on, and vulnerabilities within, these systems. The transparent battlefield is double-edged. While technology is employed to enhance capabilities, there is a parallel need to consider protection against it.