Discrete-event simulation with agents for modeling of dynamic asymmetric threats in maritime security

Abstract

Maritime security has become an important security focus area, due to the impact that piracy and terrorism have on the global economy. There are many studies on detecting and engaging asymmetric threats in ports and waterways. However, the threats are typically modeled too simply, with predefined or random paths and fixed responses. There is a need to model representing dynamic, asymmetric threat behaviors so that future threat-response models will be a more realistic evaluation against a dynamically adaptive foe. Discrete-event simulation (DES) was used to simulate a typical portsecurity, local, waterside-threat response model and to test the adaptive response of asymmetric threats in reaction to port-security procedures, while a multi-agent system (MAS) was used to provide the complex adaptive behaviors for our threats. Cover and dynamic pathfinding were used with the sensor framework in Simkit to enhance the spatial interactivity of the agents. This study found that MAS asymmetric threats demonstrate greater flexibility of behaviors and show potential for adaptability. These dynamic asymmetric threats will enable simulation of a wider variety of maritime-threat scenarios, and play an important part in improving the plans for future maritime force and infrastructure configurations.