By Gordan Adams, Guy Ben-Ari, John Logsdon, Ray Williamson

This study is the result of a two-year examination of the presumed defense technology gap between the United States and Europe that focused on information and communications technologies and their integration into military systems, which allow military forces to be networked from sensor to shooter and back in what has come to be called network centric warfare.
These command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) technologies are at the heart of modern warfighting. They act not only as force multipliers for the military platforms into which they are integrated, but also as the means to better link different types of forces (air, sea, land). Moreover, they can connect forces of different nationalities, enabling interoperability and the efficient use of military resources.

The study analyzes the deployed and planned C4ISR capabilities of seven European countries: France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden. Capabilities discussions are divided into command and control (C2), communications and computers, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). We examine the extent to which advanced C4ISR and network doctrines figure in the defense planning of these nations and explore the extent of interoperability within and between these national forces and between these forces and those of the United States.

The study also examines the C4ISR doctrines and capabilities of the NATO alliance and C4ISR-related work being done under the aegis of the European Union (EU).

European security space capabilities are discussed both within country chapters and in a separate chapter, because an increasing number of space programs is being undertaken at the multinational level. Furthermore, European space capabilities are significantly dual-use in nature, being developed and sponsored, in most cases, by non-defense ministries and multilateral institutions, but with important emerging defense applications.

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The opinions, conclusions, and recommendations expressed or implied within are those of the contributors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Defense or any other agency of the Federal Government. Cleared for public release; distribution unlimited.

Portions of this book may be quoted or reprinted without permission, provided that a standard source credit line is included. NDU Press would appreciate a courtesy copy of reprints or reviews.

First printing, October 2004.