I have in my hot sweaty hands the newsletter from NATO’s Research and Technology Organisation. I’ll bullet the key points here and perhaps explore them in more detail later.

Another acronym I’ll have to remember: HPM (High Powered Microwave) “Studies indicate that while High Power Microwave ( HPM ) sources are becoming more powerful, electronic equipment is becoming more susceptible to HPM attacks. With HPM research being conducted worldwide; there is an increasing threat to NATO military equipment and critical infrastructure. Damaging
terrorist attacks by low-cost, low-tech devices could disrupt or destroy the electronic circuitry
of key nodes in an IT network, with potentially catastrophic effects.

Sensors & Electronics Technology
The SET Panel has undertaken a leading role in topics on CBRNE Detection, IED, Prediction Navigation and CID Technologies. In particular, during the SET-117 Specialist Meeting on “Prediction and Detection of Improvised Explosive Devices ( IED ) ” ( May 2007 ) , 25 Papers on prediction of IED intent as well as detection of the devices from a safe distance and in real-time showed how the RTO is able to assist the NATO Warfighter to reach these high payoff challenges. Ten new long term activities on Advanced Radar Systems, Navigation, EW Systems, Nanomaterials, ThZ Technology and Power System Optimization are currently planned for 2008. In particular, the SET-123 Task Group on Nanotechnologies shows promise for improving efficiencies and/or adding functionality to future electronic and sensor systems, and SET-124 on THz radiation has tremendous DAT potential.

The NATO Modelling and Simulation Group
In June the NMSG held MSG-059: 5th Workshop on “ Exploiting Commercial Games Technology
” in Brisbane, Australia. The event was hosted by the Australian Defence Simulation Organisation ( ADSO ) and was held in conjunction with SimTecT 2007 where the NMSG/
RTO was represented by the MSCO presenting a paper and exhibition. There was considerable
interest in the RTO and NMSG activities from conference delegates and, the following week,
we again saw the continuing and increasing demand for information exchange, technical
developments and acquisition models in the gaming world. Many challenges remain to fully
exploit this technology that is rapidly having a significant impact in all areas of defence training,
education, decision support, predeployment and mission rehearsal