Global Defence Technology is a new monthly digital magazine for defence industry. Using an engaging mix of editorial articles, animation and video, the digital magazine offers in-depth coverage of the latest technological developments in the defence sectors army, air force and navy.

In the first issue we take a close look at cyber security and digital warfare. We also round up the latest programmes for the development of military vehicles, look behind the scenes of the Joint Strike Fighter programme, and explore the progress of some new classes of aircraft carriers that will transform the world’s navies.

To view the first issue, click here.

Special Focus: In the Virtual Battlespace

The world is shifting ever further away from the “conventional” warfare seen during the tank battles and infantry engagements of the Second World War. While troops on the ground and armoured vehicles are still in demand in modern combat zones, the military procurement of the Western world is increasingly focused on high technology such as advanced UAVs and remotely controlled bomb disposal units.

On today’s digitised battlefield, where network infrastructure plays as big a role as traditional weaponry, the most dangerous weapon could be the humble PC. The threat of cyber terrorism, or indeed cyber warfare, is an intangible concept, covering everything from a precocious teenager hacking into restricted databases to sophisticated viruses capable of crippling national infrastructure on a huge scale.

In this issue we explore how the military world is formulating new strategies to respond to this growing threat. We investigate how militaries around the world are shifting their focus and resources towards new digital frontiers and are incorporating online security into their defence strategies.

Read more in the special focus section of this issue.

Army: In the Military Vehicle Hot Seat

With the challenges of recent combat experiences in mind the world’s armies are modernising forces and vehicles. We round up some of the latest programmes for production, procurement and development that could revolutionise the battlespace, looking at new vehicles for combat, support and transport.

We also take a close look at two major programmes currently under development – the UK’s future rapid effects system (FRES) programme and the Oshkosh M-ATV MRAP vehicles being built for the US Army.

Read more in the army section of this issue.

Air Force: Taking Off with the Joint Strike Fighter

The Joint Strike Fighter programme is easily one of the most ambitious military projects of all time, involving dozens of very different contractors. While anyone following the progress of the programme will be familiar with the roles played by prime contractors Lockheed Martin, Pratt & Whitney and GE-Rolls-Royce, what has perhaps received less attention is the vital contribution to the project made by the cohorts of specialist small and medium enterprises (SMEs) around the world. We take a look at some of the smaller participants and what being part of the JSF programme means for their businesses.

In our JSF special, we also take a close look at F-35 technology and speak with Graham “GT” Tomlinson, BAE Systems’ lead test pilot for the STOVL variant, to find out how the F-35 flies.

Read more in the air force section of this issue.

Navy: Future Carriers Set to Transform Navies

Four of the world’s ten largest navies are preparing to launch new classes of aircraft carriers. The UK will be taking a huge leap forward with the HMS Queen Elizabeth under the Royal Navy’s Future Aircraft Carrier programme. The People’s Republic of China is moving ahead with the Varyag carrier after purchasing it at auction for US$20m. India is taking onboard the $2.34bn Admiral Gorshkov carrier, and the US is changing its tactics with the Gerald R Ford class under the CVN 21 future carrier programme.

We check in on the progress of these four programmes and take a close look at two of the new classes of aircraft carriers currently under construction – the UK’s Queen Elizabeth class and the US’ Gerald R Ford class.

Read more in the navy section of this issue.

Next Issue: C4I – The Digital Revolution

Command, control, communications, computers and intelligence – without doubt the backbone upon which every future war will be fought. The effective collection and dissemination of information is vital to the success of an operation and the safety of soldiers in the field.

As modern combat becomes increasingly complex, and the enemy increasingly sophisticated, battlefield telecommunication strategies need to rise to the challenge. Next month we speak to experts to help define the concept, find out what the challenges are and how they are being overcome.

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To view this issue of the magazine, click here.