LONDON, June 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

With air power providing the spearhead for NATO's operations in Libya, and with Libyan rebels calling for further reinforcement on the ground, the importance of close air support (CAS), precision targeting and minimising collateral damage for today's forces can not be overstated.  

While the fundamentals of close air support have not changed since their initial concept, the training, platforms, weapons and procedures involved are constantly being amended to fit the modern warfighter. Highlighting progress, the US Marine Corps are now using tablet computers in theatre, allowing them to quickly and efficiently load maps and provide vital information for air-to-ground coordination.

Meanwhile, the likes of A-10 Thunderbolts, Eurofighters and Apache helicopters have been instrumental in NATO's efforts to deplete Libyan heavy armour and supply chains, but operations have been plagued by reports of civilian casualties, risking the likelihood of long-term support for the intervention.

Digital integration, interoperability, and battlespace management are all key topics being explored at Close Air Support 2011 (http://www.closeairsupport.co.uk ) which will provide operational insight into developments currently being made.

At Close Air Support 2011, keynote speaker Air Vice Marshal Greg Bagwell CBE MSc, Air Officer Commanding Number 1 Squadron, HQ Air Command, UK RAF will join Heads of JTAC, Heads of Airspace Deconfliction and Heads of FOO Training to discuss up-to-date analysis of the latest developments in close air support, with in-depth and detailed focus on the following areas:

• Operational feedback on equipment and digital CAS from TACP Units just returned from theatre
• How to improve air-land integration
• How to close capability gaps

The full Close Air Support programme is available to download from the event website: http://www.closeairsupport.co.uk/Event.aspx?id=495404

Close Air Support (http://www.closeairsupport.co.uk ) will bring together key military and government decision makers from across the world and provides an opportunity to interact with the wider CAS network and gain a greater understanding of the role of industry in driving technological development.

Notes to Editors

The Close Air Supportcontent library features complimentary reports, articles and videos (www.closeairsupport.co.uk/Event.aspx?id=495404).

Close Air Support will be held from 20th-22nd September 2011 at Kingsway Hall, London, United Kingdom - the conference programme is available for download at http://www.closeairsupport.co.uk/Event.aspx?id=495404

For further information on Close Air Support (http://www.closeairsupport.co.uk ) contact on +44(0)20-7368-9300 or email defence@iqpc.co.uk

SOURCE Defence IQ