Managing the Imminent Obsolescence of Legacy Platforms

Abstract

Large weapon platforms have been targeted with increasing ease, so much so, that it raises the alarming spectre of them being Left Out of Battle (LOB), in contemporary wars. They are being challenged by nimbler, easy-to-use, cheaper weapon systems. Not surprisingly fighter jets, warships, tanks and even guns are being pushed towards obsolescence. We therefore require to critically review the future of legacy platforms,especially when similar or much more lethal impact is possible with smaller and smarter systems. Military analysts are unanimous in their view—modern militaries must transition to new tools of warfighting; this will not only obviate being saddled with obsolete or near obsolete weapon platforms but importantly circumvent the pitfalls of preparing for a war of yesterday. A roadmap to effect this transition, however, requires astute planning and intricate stage manage.