What one sees - all will know
Threats are no longer just emerging on the battlefield. Piracy, smuggling and terrorism are challenging the traditional roles of armed forces. At the same time, shrinking defence budgets is making it difficult to sustain existing levels of capability. The race is on to provide forces with advanced and integrated technology to meet the broader spectrum of threats and to achieve maximum return from limited resources.
Tighter defence budgets and the shifting nature of threats are the strongest driving forces behind militaries getting serious about enhancing their Network Powered Defence. “Governments are looking for advanced systems that will create synergies and provide a substantial increased operational effect” says Magnus Hagman, Sales Director Airborne Systems, Saab Asia Pacific. “In Thailand for example the Royal Defence Force have made significant gains connecting their fighters, AEW&C aircraft and naval units.”
Knowledge is power
Network Powered Defence is the most ultimate use of all available resources in a defence force system. Where units can share information to combine more effectively the capabilities and assets over the entire force.
Tactical data links are key enablers for a Network Powered Defence. Data links enables secure, real-time exchange of tactical data between cooperating units. The operational advantages of a tactical data link can be summarized “what one sees – all of us know”. Crucial mission data is transmitted between cooperating units, ensuring situational awareness. This information is being transmitted safely and cannot be tampered with or listened to.
“Many nations have procured various systems and equipment from different suppliers over the years and, while each component may work on its own they are not always connected and part of the total defence system,” Hagman says. “Our job is to support sovereign nations to escape the limits if assorted equipment in stand-alone configurations and move to much more modern, inter-connected and information-driving technology.
Since the 1960s, Saab has provided national tactical data links for the Air Domain, under sovereign operational control. Our experience also extends to the integration of interoperable data links, such as link-16.