Wednesday, February 24, 2010

More Satellites Over Afghanistan

Afghanistan's mountains can weaken or block satellite signals that help guide American troops. Moises Saman for The New York Times

More Satellites Will Act as Eyes for Troops -- New York Times

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. — Across the unforgiving terrain of Afghanistan, American combat forces have come to rely on satellites as well as their rifles and body armor to carry out missions effectively, and to stay alive.

But American units have found that satellite signals are weakened and even blocked outright by the breathtaking peaks and backbreaking valleys of Afghanistan — making it hard to pinpoint the troops’ location, navigate on patrol, identify friend from foe in battle or call in bombs and artillery when under attack.

Read more ....

My Comment: Another example that illustrates the importance of net-ware in a conflict zone.

Update: Sat-nav systems under growing threat from 'jammers' -- BBC

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