TYPE OF SENSORS USED IN NETWORK CENTRIC WARFARE

INTRODUCTION
Network-Centric Warfare (NCW) is a military doctrine or theory of war which
focuses on using advanced Information Technology (IT) i.e computers, high-speed data
links, and networking softwares to link together military assets into highly integrated
computer/telecommunications networks. Within these networks, military assets will
share large amounts of critical information on a rapid and continuous basis, which
provides a common tactical picture and shared situational awareness. Shared
situational awareness enables collaboration and self-synchronization, and thus
dramatically increases overall mission effectiveness.
HISTORY
The term Network-Centric Warfare (NCW) and associated concepts first appeared in the
Department of Navy's publication, "Copernicus: C4ISR for the 21st Century." The ideas
of networking sensors, commanders, and shooters to flatten the hierarchy, reduce the
operational pause, enhance precision, and increase speed of command were captured
in this document.
DEFINITION OF NCW
NCW can be defined as:
An information superiority-enabled concept of operations that generates increased
combat power by networking sensors, decision makers, and shooters to achieve shared
awareness, increased speed of command, higher tempo of operations, greater lethality,
increased survivability, and a degree of self-synchronization.
Networked Force.
Networked force consists of a number of its elements operating in the domains of
warfare, which are called battlespace entities. These are divided into sensors, actors
and decision makers.
(1). Sensors.
Sensors are the elements providing initial information
(data), further processing of which makes the basis for situation
awareness. Sensors could be unmanned platforms and equipment as well
as human eyes on the ground.

(2). Actors/Shooters. Actors, sometimes called effectors or shooters

are creating combat power and effects, derived from mission intent and
shared situational awareness.
(3). Decision makers. These are the people generating mission
intent, allocating and re-allocating resources necessary to achieve the
desired effects and successfully accomplish the mission. Decision makers
are present on all levels of military organization.

Logical Model of NCW relationships

CONCLUSION
NCW is an emerging theory of war because it identifies new sources of power
(information sharing, information access, speed), how those sources relate to each
other, how they are brought to bear to achieve the desired outcome, and how they link
to political objectives. USA is the worlds undisputed proponent of NCW, turning its vast
information-gathering apparatus into a competitive advantage through robust
networking of interconnected forces across the globe. Other nations are making
progress in this domain at a very fast pace realizing its importance. NCW is still
undergoing growing efforts around South East Asia, with service interoperability one of
the greatest challenges. This is complicated by the specter of combined operations with
allied nations that will require harmonization of international technical standards.
Architectural difficulties exist because various communication systems must be
integrated into a unified whole, which is especially difficult where new equipment must
be tightly integrated with legacy platforms.