Page 62 - Williams Foundation Future of Electronic Warfare Seminar

A New Approach and Attitude to Electronic Warfare in Australia

We could use LVC to have the engineers and operators who are building the next generation of systems in a
series of laboratories, participate in real-world exercises. Let's bring the developmental systems along, and
plug it into the real-world exercise, but without interfering with it.

With engagement by developers in a distributed laboratory model through LVC, we could be exploring and
testing ideas for a project, during development. We would not have to wait until a capability has reached an
‘initial’ or ‘full operating’ capability level; we could learn a lot along the development by such an approach
that involves the operators in the field.

The target event would be a major classified exercise. We could be testing integration in the real-world
exercise and concurrently in the labs that are developing the next generation of “integrated” systems. That, to
my mind, is an integrated way of using LVC to help demonstrate, and develop the integrated force. We could
accelerate development coming into the operational force and eliminating the classic requirements setting
approach. We need to set aside some aspects of the traditional acquisition approach in favor of an
integrated development approach, which would accelerate the realisation of integrated capabilities in the
operational force.

CONCLUSION: SHAPING A WAY AHEAD WITH ELECTRONIC WARFARE
CAPABILITIES

With the introduction of the Growler, this has provided a natural hook into the broader discussion of the
evolving payloads, which need to be part of an integrated 21st century combat force.
A number of presentations provided a look at the technology and con-ops of evolving EW capabilities.

These presentations provided the perspectives from industry and from Australian services and the joint
perspective.

And a broad brush look at the technologies was provided by an American presenter as well.

What was clear was that this is becoming a vital area for R and D as well as integration into the evolving
force structure.

FIGURE 15 JOHN CONWAY
The presentation by MAGGEN Kahryn Toohey, head of Australian Army Development, underscored the
importance of re-energizing the work of the ground forces in the evolving combat environment.
Second Line of Defense

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