Ten nations are taking part in this year's computer battle simulation organised by the UK's Defence science and technology laboratory (DSTL). The event, dubbed the Joint Warrior Interoperability Demonstration (JWID), is intended to give military personnel the chance to use evolving computer technologies.
The idea of great military forces sitting around playing computer games does seem rather bizarre, but the DSTL insists the operation, now in its sixth year, provides a way for countries to take advantage of new technologies including such applications as information and technology sharing, web-enabled interfacing and data links.
"The use of DSTL's purpose-built lab will ensure that we have all the facilities and dedicated staff we need to be able to enhance UK forces capability through the use of communications, intelligence and surveillance," said Lt Col Tim John, JWID's project manager.
The event which began on 9 June will run until 27 July at a specially constructed 'battle lab' developed by the DSTL in Portsmouth and will include forces from Japan, Nato, Australia, Britain and the US.