Data as the Central Strategic Asset in Modern Warfare
In contemporary warfare, the decisive resource is increasingly not the weapon system itself, but the information that enables its use. The effectiveness of any military operation depends on the ability to collect, process, and distribute data at a scale and speed that outpaces the adversary. This transformation means that raw firepower or numerical strength can no longer guarantee victory unless accompanied by informational superiority. The digitalization of command-and-control systems, the proliferation of sensors across domains, and the emergence of real-time communications networks have made data the foundation of military effectiveness. It determines how quickly threats are detected, how accurately targets are identified, and how efficiently forces are coordinated. Data is not only an enabler but has become a decisive weapon in its own right, shaping the tempo, precision, and resilience of armed forces in both conventional and hybrid conflicts.