From Platform to Network Centric Defence

Summary of Svante Bergh's article in RSAWSPJ no 4 2001.

The IT revolution will increase the importance of the "decision-making process", or the OODA loop. It will facilitate the build-up of military networks. Civilian technology will in most of its applications be good enough, and new technology will evolve so fast that military communications technology will not be able to keep track. Third-generation mobile telephony systems will have an end-to-end cryptographic function, strong authenticity, and will in many cases be sufficiently good for military purposes.

New sensor technology will increase the possibility of discovering concealed and distant objects. In the network, it will then be possible to combine the information and use other sensors than one’s own for tracking.

An example shows that a structure built on network technology with some modern sensors would have a significantly larger effect in a scenario in Kosovo.

It also shows, that it could give Swedish defence and industry a definite advantage when it comes to promoting Swedish interests in Europe.

This article is a lecture presented to the Royal Swedish Academy of War Sciences at its Annual Grand Ceremony on 9th November, 2000.