AFGHANISTAN came to Porton Down last week as scientists took part in probably the world’s largest-ever wargame.

The Coalition Warrior Interoperability Demonstration (CWID) saw the creation of a scenario based on the operation in 2008 which oversaw the safe journey of a convoy transporting new turbine equipment to the Kajaki Dam from Kandahar.

The aim of the event was to support front-line operations by testing and improving defence systems on a network infrastructure designed around the system currently in operation in theatre.

The trials field itself consisted of two separate tent complexes representing Kandahar and Helmand, each complex functioning as mission control for its respective region and communicating with each other through the simulated network and using ICT innovations on trial.

In keeping with the precise nature of in theatre realistic operations, each of the potential technologies was operated by members of the armed forces from coalition partners including the UK, America, New Zealand and Canada.

CWID is a truly global event with industry and participants from coalition nations including America, New Zealand and Canada, remotely in their home countries and on the Dstl site.