The digital targeting network needs communications capacity to operate

The digital backbone and targeting web are intended to connect sensors, decision-makers and weapons quickly enough to improve targeting. Broad references to AI and quantum technology do not identify the equipment or communications links needed to make that work. The stated allocations include £5.5 billion for the digital backbone and £1.8 billion for the targeting web, with an enterprise platform and a secret cloud among the proposals. The principal concern is satellite capacity: earlier operations are described as relying on commercial and American systems because British communications resources were insufficient. A network depending mainly on fixed connections would have limited relevance to forces deployed abroad. A further £17 billion proposed for 2030-35 leaves the same question about the infrastructure behind the additional digital capabilities.