European C41 and Tactical Communications Update 2011

摘要

There are several programmes underway throughout Europe to improve existing C4I, C4ISTAR, and RSTA capabilities. Besides the UK's Sentinel R.1 ASTOR surveillance aircraft, the premier European manned airborne surveillance system able to function with unmanned aircraft like the WK450 platform in networking the three levels of ISR, C2, and target tracking, there are several key projects in Europe that will help establishing the appropriate capacities to provide military forces with the most accurate and up-to-date information on the battlefield. The "top to bottom" approach is digital communications. Although deficiencies clearly do exist in the capabilities of several military organisations in Europe, the acquisition of modern communications equipment, battle management systems, sensors, and platforms, including unmanned aircraft, will certainly be able to fill in some of the major gaps in the upcoming years.