Editorial

IDEX
A preview of the International Defence Exhibition & Conference, now in its 10th year, being held in Abu Dhabi in February 2010.

Turning tides
The attacks on Mumbai in November 2008 proved a stark warning that port security is crucial in protecting the public and commercial assets from asymmetrical warfare tactics. In response the Indian government has commissioned a number of stealth warships that it hopes will form part of its “home-grown” fleet for the next 50 years. Protecting marine borders has always been essential but in today’s world its importance has grown further. Aside from remote naval assets what are the technologies being used to ensure port security remains robust at all times? In this special report Dr Ronald Kessel of NURC, NATO investigates.

Term-inology!
As military budgets begin to shrink and the term ‘strategic review’ grabs more column inches, the issue of offsetting has again raised its head. Offsetting is a political hot potato that is sure to turn the stomach of private and public entities alike but clearly happens. In this special report Robin Ashby, director-general of the UK Defence Forum, explains the history of the practice, its pros and cons and how offsetting has become a crucial part of the procurement process in these difficult economic times.

An enemy within
In a warzone the base is usually seen as the closest thing to home by active service personnel. Whilst attack from mortar and the such is something of a daily occurrence in some of the world’s most troubled spots the intent of enemy groups to access the base and launch an attack from within is something of increasing concern and likelihood. In this special report Major Josh Wineera looks at some of the latest technologies aimed at countering the threat and questions the most recent thinking on the ability of forces to keep men on the ground safe from hostiles. The recent attack at the US Army base, Fort Hood, also highlighted the need for not just physical security systems but how realistic is it that those intending to cause harm to their colleagues can ever be identified before its too late? Wayne Boone of Carleton University shares his thoughts.

Army green
Green issues and the rising cost of fuel have led many industry sectors to look at ways of reducing their costs whilst promoting their green credentials. As technologies improve and the pressure grows on governments to become more environmentally conscious, the push to develop hybrid and electric military vehicles suitable for the active military duty is evident. The United States Army says it believes hybrid-electric powered trucks and future combat systems will allow it to cut its fuel costs by three quarters by the end of the decade while the UK’s Ministry of Defence has established a comprehensive plans to help reduce its impact on the planet through more clear procurements objectives. However, what is the reality; how will these technologies be applied to forces and what are the challenges? Group Captain Maurice Dixon, head of the Ministry of Defence’s Sustainable Procurement Team instigates.

Taking to the streets
The recent events in Thailand have highlighted an issue that is often thought of only when the situation arises. Military logistical support is geared to supplying service personnel in a warzone. But what about urban conflict where the usual rules of engagement are not in affect? Situations such as those in Bangkok offer an array of different resources to military commanders such as cutting water and electricity supplies. However, this usually means there are greater difficulties for restoring order such as the need for water to fight fires. Col. Aaron Geduldig division chief of the Joint Logistics Operation Center at The US Defence Logistics Agency looks at the issue of urban supply in unconventional operations such as civil disorder.

Battling for the future
Military forces the world over are conducting their own work in soldier technology with an aim of improving the technologies available to personnel in active combat situations. It has never been more critical to ensure forces have access to the latest and best equipment. Lieutenant-Colonel Jacques Levesque, Project Manager for the ISSP, The Canadian military looks at the ISSP project, long-term aims and asks whether it is succeeding in its goal of delivering battle ready products fit for the modern theatre.

At arms length
The modern day theatre has changed dramatically over the years with the evolution of technologies, military tactics and enemies. Today many wars are fought at arms length with military leaders looking to reduce the need for hand-to-hand combat and protect their personnel. To this end geospatial technology (GIS) is crucial in helping bring the fight to the frontline, wherever it may be. But what are the latest innovations, how has the technology evolved and what benefit does it really offer the military? Bert Beaulieu, director of the InnoVision Directorate, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency shares his thoughts.

Commanding communications
It has recently been suggested, by some military and technology commentators, that C4ISR technologies are on the verge of a new dawn. Whilst these technologies have continually evolved one of the difficulties of their application has been the number and variety of different platforms they need to be integrated with in order to ensure comprehensive capabilities. The Army Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center, CERDEC, tells us of the work being done in the US to further develop these technologies and overcome the limitations.