10 Breakthrough Missile Guidance Systems: How the 8th Changed Combat Rules

8. Network-Centric Warfare Integration

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The inclusion of missiles into network-centric warfare systems drastically altered military doctrine. With this advance, missiles may collect real-time target updates from several sensors and platforms—including satellites, aircraft, and ground stations. The technology permits mid-course target updates and cooperative engagement features where several missiles can coordinate their strikes for best effect. This networking capacity has turned missiles from stand-alone weapons into integrated parts of a larger battlefield management system.