An information-led force needs the communications and sensing infrastructure to support its computers. The panel identifies Istari reconnaissance satellites as an omission from the Defence Investment Plan and criticizes the decision not to give Skynet 6 narrowband transmission systems. UHF, L-band, and S-band are cited as dependable satellite communications options whose loss would reduce capability. Shipboard computing also consumes hull space and electrical power. Seawater heat exchangers offer a way to remove heat, but the cooling machinery still has to be quiet enough to avoid advertising the ship to sonar.
Notable Point · 3:13-7:27
The communications foundation missing from the Defence Investment Plan
The panel questions how an information-led fleet can work without matching investment in reconnaissance satellites, reliable communications, electrical generation, and quiet cooling.