reconnaissance and information analysis capabilities, as well as an excellent understanding of the situation, which will therefore be strengthened. 102. Integration and interoperability with the Allied Forces are the main factors which will ensure a significant and effective national contribution. In times of peace to achieve this objective, forces should be organised, prepared, educated and trained to operate in multinational environments and as part of a larger deployment. 103. The extension of the domains of action into the cybernetic domain and space means that specific defensive operational capabilities must be dedicated to these areas, in order to preserve the safety of the “national system” and increase the solidity of the political, economic and social structures. 104. The rapid and intense development of technology requires the military component to promote the knowledge of the possibilities and effects of the availability of new military and dual equipment and invest accordingly. Innovative concepts, such as “soft air defence”, will require intense inter-ministerial cooperation for the management of large quantities of data and the preparation of the capabilities necessary to manage it. 105. The human element will remain central to the action of the military component, and it is essential to maintain this high level of professionalism over time. The ability to interact in multicultural and complex environments, the ability to understand situations as well as a spirit of invention and adaptability to different environments, will be the main human characteristics in which to invest. The ability to use to modern equipment to its full potential and the ability to train and motivate soldiers, as well as the staff of friendly nations and allies, are the main objectives of the training and education process. 106. Equipment for the armed forces will have to be cost-effective and consistent in terms of quality and technological level. The main objective is to achieve the “expressible capability”, this should be achieved as the result of several balanced factors, and not only by purchasing systems of excellence, which are not adequately supported by the other factors within the capability, and by the structure of the force that uses them. - 49 -