Enabling Defense Transformation: Network-Centric Warfare and Ballistic Missile Defense

Author: ISBY D.¹

Source: Comparative Strategy, Volume 22, Number 4, October/November 2003 , pp. 325-334(10)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

Transformation of US military capabilities will include the ability to carry out network centric warfare (NCW) and ballistic missile defense (BMD). These two concepts are interdependent. BMD is unlikely to be effective unless it is designed as an integrated system of systems using NCW capabilities. Conversely, many of the ways that the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is going about achieving a BMD capability point the way for how NCW capabilities could be achieved in other mission areas. This includes removing many of the bureaucratic barriers to innovation. MDA will develop BMD using multi-system segments as line items rather than service-specific single programs. Block upgrade, spiral development, and lead systems integrator approaches are already moving from BMD to other Department of Defense mission areas. They are likely to be most effective in creating capabilities where these are not provided by legacy systems, including implementing NCW.

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: SPARTA Inc., Arlington, VA

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