Obstacle course [high-tech networked military]

The UK government's latest White Paper is out and argues for a high-tech, networked military. The White Paper contains plenty of opportunities for electronics and information technology companies, but headaches for the armed forces. It sets out the UK's likely defence requirements for a future in the post 9/11 world, with close alignment to the US, but still leaving room for working in a European framework. For equipment, the main thrust will be a move away from heavy military kit, such as Challenger II tanks, to a more high-technology, 'joined-up' armed forces. So important is this concept that it has several acronyms to describe it, including NEC (Networked Enabled Capabilities) and C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance). The critical elements in delivering this military effect is threefold: sensors to gather information; an effective network-to consolidate, communicate and exploit that information; and strike assets-to deliver the decisive action. Technology will be a key driver for change.