capability development plan - European Defence Agency - Europa

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IMPACT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ON FUTURE
CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT
information warfare against our aerial platforms, or even pose a physical threat to them with advanced
ground-based weapon systems.
Space platforms. Space platforms bear many similarities to high altitude UAVs as ISTAR platforms and
many sensors mentioned for aerial platforms could be used in satellites as well. As part of the network,
satellites will also continue be used for communication purposes with increased bandwidths.
Naval platforms. Naval platforms are expected to be used primarily in support of land operations, but
also for protection of logistical bases and sea lines of communications within and to operational areas.
Developments in the naval platforms area, relevant to this purpose and made possible by technological
developments include:
- The use of unmanned surface and underwater vehicles (USVs and UUVs) as reconnaissance and
mine counter measures (MCM) platforms;
- Means to counter underwater threats to naval platforms and civilian ships;
- The use of improved sensors for both above and below surface targets.
The underwater sensor area will benefit from data processing and networking; key geographic areas
could be guarded against the emplacement of mines and the intrusion of submarines.
While the technological possibilities increase, very few adversaries are expected to acquire ASW
capability. Therefore, underwater platforms will continue to enjoy a higher degree of stealth and
protection than surface platforms, but will also continue to be at a disadvantage for high-bandwidth
Archerfish neutralising Limpet mine © 2005 BAE Systems
communication and with respect to certain sensors.
UUVs and similar technologies can also pose a threat as sophisticated drifting mines.
No major breakthrough is expected with respect to fundamental technologies for ship propulsion; the
alternatives will remain mainly as today. Some gains in efficiency may be possible, but the design
considerations and trade-offs involved in ship endurance will be the same as today. This also applies to
nuclear power; nuclear propulsion will have the same characteristics as today.
Some sea mine counter-measure (MCM) activity will be improved by the use of anti-magnetic
materials, which will allow certain platforms to be constructed having little or no magnetic signature.
This will likely be easier to implement in small platforms, such as unmanned surface or underwater
vehicles (USV or UUV).
Soldier systems. Although soldier systems will continue to exist primarily in order to assist the individual
soldier, it is fair to say the development in this area will mean individual soldiers increasingly get a
“platform role” from a technological point of view. Thus, there are certain similarities in the
developments of soldier systems and ground vehicles, with respect to S&T implications. Here just as for
vehicles, protection and integration into networks, are two the most important aspects, although
endurance and possibilities for training need also to be taken into account.
If a comprehensive approach to soldier equipment is taken, protection, survivability and endurance for
individual soldiers may be enhanced by a range of equipment using new technologies (including
nanotechnology), such as body armour based on new ballistic protective materials, water and air filters,
biocidic/antibacterial and catalytically active surface and garment coatings, functional clothing and
camouflage equipment. Such improvements are also likely to lead to improved performance of troops
which may mean that for certain tasks, fewer troops would be needed.
Much of the developments related to increased situational awareness with respect to soldier systems
will be directed toward the urban environment. Expected developments include man portable radars for
mine detection, looking-through-wall sensor and, sniper detection and location.
Improved target recognition will mean less risk for fratricide, particularly important in the urban
environment.
Low cost sensors for commercial applications will allow adversaries to field soldier systems to increase
their sensor capabilities, including night vision.
FUTURE TRENDS FROM THE CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN