The Future for Integrated Platform Command Systems

摘要

Information collection, distribution and presentation are the most critical elements of any ship management or command and control system. Decisions taken are based upon the accuracy and completeness of that information and that decision could be the difference between mission success or mission failure. The integrity and availability of that information is fundamental, but providing these features has always come at a cost, in both financial and technical terms. With the cost constraints in defence budgets and increasing global concerns for border and economic zone security, the demand for new and well-equipped platforms is boosting the patrol craft market. Capital warships are becoming more costly to build and delivery timescales may be many years for a whole series. They are also designed for specific roles and may not be suited to the rapid reaction and demands of coastal defence. In order to provide a more reactive and concentrated presence, the move from large capital vessels to increased numbers of well-armed and efficient patrol craft is becoming much more evident.