Long-range strategic thought needs a shorter horizon for initial equipment and force structure. A review may consider fifty or one hundred years, but it can see only roughly five to ten years clearly enough to make immediate procurement choices. A pre-Second World War proposal to create aerial minefields using rockets illustrates the uncertainty: the idea failed then, although small drones might now make it possible. Demonstrations and attractive theory do not establish military viability; exercises and conflict reveal whether a system can actually work. Defence planning needs experimentation alongside deployable near-term capability.
Notable Point · 34:13-36:10
Long strategic horizons need realistic technology tests
A defence review can look decades ahead while basing its initial equipment and force structure on the next five to ten years and testing new technology under realistic conditions.