Also I have just thought, isn't all this talk of network centric stuff a bit dishonest? Haven't we had things similar to that for a long time? Warships have had data links for a long time - since the late '70s I believe. Link 10 (?) was used in the Falklands.
WEBF,
Yes, the British Forces have had data links of a sort for many years. The primary Links used by the RN have been Link 14 and Link 11 until recently. While they still use the latter, it is gradually being superceded by JTIDS.
However, you cannot compare systems such as Link 11 and 14 with modern data links such as JTIDS. It really is like comparing an F-86 to an F-22. When today's data links are then fused in modern C2 systems, their benefit is multiplied beyond all recognition. Even since the days of Bosnia, the data link architecture during TELIC was massively more complex, with sensor data, imagery, remote target cueing (and many others activities) all taking place simultaneously via a wide variety of systems.
So, for once, HMG are not using buzzwords such as network centric as an excuse. That's why there is big investment in the UK ISTAR community (E-3D, Nimrod R1 and Sentinel R1) when other fleets are being cut.
Regards,
M2