MoD enters world's largest virtual battlefield

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has partnered with key players from across the defence, IT and communication industries to hold the largest international virtual war game. 

The Coalition Warrior Interoperability Demonstration (CWID) is designed to test future military technology in a virtual environment. 

CWID UK is a self-funding annual research partnership between the MoD and industry providers.

Run as part of a wider US-led coalition event, CWID UK aims to demonstrate and assess new and emerging technologies, including links with other government departments.

The online virtual battlefield exercise involves military personnel and industry players from across the globe and is currently being played by 15 different countries.

"CWID is vital to the MoD as it helps to address capability gaps," said Wing Commander Stephen Borthwick, CWID national leader.

"It saves money for the MoD and industry by taking the risk out of new technology demonstrations.

"It is also an ideal opportunity for industry players to interact with other members of industry, making it a forum for innovation and the exchange of ideas. "

A range of demonstrations includes a preview of the UK's NEC integrated end-to-end communications infrastructure, and various MoD equipment programme 'de-risking' activities.

Some demonstrations are also aimed at addressing current capability gaps, for example 'secure coalition interoperability'.

These will help to improve the effectiveness of multinational operations and reduce the risk of friendly fire, according to the MoD.

CWID is being run between 4 and 22 June 2007 at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory site at Portsdown West, Fareham.