 Lt Gen AKS Chandele PVSM, AVSM (Retd) Managing Editor [email protected] |
The last few decades have witnessed the transformation of armed forces across the globe driven by the Revolution in Military Affairs RMA). Technological developments, particularly in IT and communications, have led to the evolution of the concept of Network Centric Warfare (NCW), characterised by exponentially enhanced situational awarenesss, decision making, dissemination of information and precision strike capability. Commanders who employ these capabilities innovatively, with appropriate combat elements, achieve success at a fast tempo and least cost.
Geospatial data is a critical requirement for defence and security operations due to the need of reliable and real-time information integrated with spatial data. Our defence and security forces, faced with a variety of ever increasing internal and external threats, are undertaking rapid modernisation. Creation of a credible GIS infrastructure poses numerous challenges including that of standards, interoperability, security, scalability and sustainability which need to be overcome. GIS must address these key requirements. Integration of ISR with time and space contextualisation is necessary. NCW requires an infrastructure that is accessible across the strategic and tactical continuum; spatial information must flow from battle space deployed sensors to the warfighter across challenging network environments. Communication networks must be fully secure and robust with adequate redundancy, while keeping bandwith requirement minimal.
A wide variety of platforms need to be integrated, including embedded software and devices in sensors to the servers and hand held computers and embedded systems in weapon platforms. Weapon systems currently in service and those being inducted are mostly imported where full design details are not available, which increases the complexity of the problem. Integration amongst the three defence services and other security organisations is another issue.
Unlike wars of the past, our armed forces are more likely to be employed in non-conventional conflicts, involving frequent regrouping of combat elements. GIS infrastructure should be designed to adapt to these changes and support forces operating in remote areas with under developed infrastructure such as our coastal and mountainous regions and our island territories. Systems should be so designed that they are capable of absorbing future technologies and also be able to serve an ever increasing client base. To ensure optimal deployment and utilisation, the cost, complexity and development time of these systems are important considerations.
It is an established fact that GIS enabled decision support systems, integrated with sensors and weapon platforms, are essential to combat both external and internal threats. Our armed forces need to proactively engage with industry and research organisations to understand the complexities involved in creating this strategic tool. Technological superiority will be a decisive factor in future warfare and it is imperative that we build the necessary capabilities to achieve full spectrum dominance.
