Topic: Network-Centric Applications Aerospace Surveillance and Battlespace Management in 2023: The Impact of Social and Technological Change

Improved aerospace surveillance and battlespace management (ASBM) is fundamental to the defence of Australia and its interests. DSTO has been asked to assist in the development a capability roadmap for ASBM, which can chart the course from the current systems to the capability required in 20 years time i.e. 2023. In order to do this we need to understand what the possibilities are for ASBM in 2023. We need to identify the fundamental systems attributes required of ASBM in 2023 and the impact of technological and social change on those attributes. This paper outlines some of the broad technology areas that represent future drivers for ASBM, gives some example technologies and attempts to anticipate in which direction they will “push” the ASBM capability area. The impact that social change, such as personnel shortages, ageing workforce and changing educational requirements, will have on the requirements for ASBM in 2023 is also addressed. The risks and challenges in achieving this goal are then discussed and a comparison made between the “ideal” ASBM, ASBM in 2023 and the current situation.