Node A6 · Acronym decoder
SoS
System of Systems
What it actually means
A collection of independently owned, independently operated systems whose collaboration produces capability no constituent delivers alone — a missile defense architecture, a joint command network. The defining engineering problem is that nobody owns the whole: interfaces, funding, and evolution are negotiated among owners rather than directed by one.
Where you'll meet it
Mission-level architecture, interoperability programs, and DoDAF operational views.