Precision munitions are enabling forces to fire fewer shots, but to greater effect. This is changing combat for the better, for everyone: for soldiers in the field, for civilians, for strategic command and for political decision-makers.
During the 20th-century, military superiority often meant the ability to deliver 'might'. But conflict has changed. Today, the terrain is more challenging, threats are more varied, and the political and humanitarian desire to protect civilians is understandably greater than ever.
These conditions are often referred to as the 'five C's': conflicts which are 'congested, contested, cluttered, connected and constrained'. And conflicts of this nature will not only be won by force, but with precision: Precision of intelligence, precision of action - and, when necessary, precision in the delivery of munitions.
Technology is changing. Fast.
Technological innovations mean that precision munitions are evolving fast. Capabilities that were once only available in large, complex-to-deploy and expensive guided missiles are now available in much smaller packages, and at much lower costs. This is creating opportunities at all levels - from enhancing traditional munitions (such as upgrading mortars with smart targeting and 'glide' capabilities), to creating completely new types of munitions which can be operated and controlled like UAVs. In the near future, we will even see 'smart rifles', as the reducing cost and increased miniaturization makes it possible to integrate smart technology even into individual bullets.
We are at a tipping point in combat, where forces will be able to secure tactical and strategic advantage while firing far fewer shots than ever before - because every shot will be effective.
More accurate. More flexible.
On the ground, precision munitions mean soldiers can execute their missions more effectively. Most obviously, because they are more accurate. (For instance, Thales Mortar Guided Munitions are accurate to within one meter because of their ability to glide as a laser beam rider to a target, compared to around 10 meters for traditional mortars).
Greater accuracy also extends the types of engagement that are possible: when soldiers are confident they can place a shot accurately at distance through a door or window, it becomes possible to engage the enemy more effectively in 'constrained' environments such as urban areas.
And with precision systems also comes greater flexibility: for instance, the Thales Lightweight Missile Launcher (LML) and Rapid Ranger systems have been designed to fire both LMM ground-to-ground, and Starstreak ground-to-air missiles. And mini guided bombs such as the BAT 120 or a laser-guided rocket can also be used where previously large and expensive missiles would have been necessary. All this gives soldiers the ability to rapidly and proportionately respond to changing threats.
Tactical precision. Strategic advantage.
Precision munitions also generate significant strategic benefits. Their increased flexibility means commanders have a greater range of options about which platforms to engage in which situations. This means every tank, plane and vehicle can be deployed where it will be most effective, not just to 'cover the ground'.
Smaller precision munitions are also much more cost-effective. In particular it allows for a 'proportionate' response when dealing with threats such as UAVs - where otherwise, larger and more expensive missiles would need to be used.
There is also a positive effect on the supporting infrastructure: when fewer munitions are needed to successfully complete missions, the logistics needed to supply operations can be much leaner.
And there is also a positive impact on strategic decision-making: when the munitions themselves are digitally connected into the communications loop - even capable of feeding back real-time data via sensors and cameras - commanders and political decision-makers are able to make highly informed judgements. Engaging the right target, at the right time, for the greatest chance of mission success.
Individually, each of these benefits makes a difference. But together, they combine to give significantly increased reach, capability and effectiveness - transforming both the strategic possibilities and the tactical capabilities of forces. It's this 'multiplier' effect that is the true power of precision munitions.
Enabled by Thales innovation.
The rapid evolution of precision munitions is being made possible by innovations in three key areas: the guidance systems which determine how the munition reaches its target; the fuzes that control when detonation takes place; and the communication systems relaying information about what is being targeted. Thales is leading innovation in each one of these fields.
They have developed intelligent guidance systems that give increasing control over target identification, flight trajectory, and even allow for an 'abort' function on small munitions.
Their breakthroughs in fuze technology are enabling the manufacture of fuzes with no moving parts - which means smaller and more cost-effective components that are even better able to operate under the huge forces generated by acceleration and impact.
And their experience in developing and delivering the communications systems of the 'digital battlefield' means they are able to integrate 'smart' munitions into this ecosystem. When intelligence can be sent instantly from strategic command to the individual soldier or even into the smart munition itself, then a force has true 'end-to-end' capability.
Decisive precision in decisive moments.
As threats continue to evolve, forces need the ability to respond effectively in an ever-increasing range of scenarios. The digital battlefield, and particularly precision munitions, are greatly enhancing the capabilities of soldiers, commanders and decision-makers.
There will continue to be rapid developments in this field, as we move towards ever-smaller 'smart' munitions - but the benefits are already making their mark. Precision munitions are a decisive technology for decisive moments.
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