Multi-domain integration: Is Britain ready for the future?
In accordance with the Integrated Review and the Future Soldier plan, the army said it will put data exploitation and digitisation at the forefront. (Photo: UK Crown Copyright)
Multi-domain integration and the importance of novel approaches were the main motifs of DSEI 2021. The UK Strategic Command reiterated the theme outlined in the Integrated Review: more is not always better. Can the UK compensate for the loss of numbers and capabilities?
The theme of DSEI 2021 was multi-domain integration (MDI) and the loudest voices cautioned everyone that the battlespace of the future will change significantly, and with that there is an urgent need for defence forces to adjust, too. Shortly after the tradeshow attention around MDI seemed to have ebbed away, but some works have been done in the area.
Delivering his keynote speech at the show, UK Strategic Commander Gen Sir Patrick Sanders said: ‘Fundamentally, the source of battlefield advantage will not come from platforms.
'If we focus…on the number of grey hulls the Navy has, the number of Fighter
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