In the network-centric battlespace of today the advantage held by each opposing faction is often spoken of in terms such as the 'knowledge edge', 'information superiority' and 'decision superiority'. These are the integration and exploitation of information derived from many sources, from the strategic level down to tactical environment. In airpower terms, what was simply known as reconnaissance is now a much more complex capability set and broadly falls under the umbrella of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, or ISR. Australia is located in a region that is currently undergoing a significant technologicaf revolution in terms of military capability. This, coupled with a worsening geopolitical situation, has significantly increased the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) requirements for timely and effective ISR capabilities. As the RAAF evolves into what is often termed a 'Fifth Generation' force, employing modern air combat platforms such as the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning Ⅱ, Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler, the networking of individual capabilities together - and with land, sea and space-based assets-to form a comprehensive picture of the battlespace, is major ambition.
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