Potential uses of nanotechnology in Armed Forces:

Nanotechnology is a field of applied science devoted to the control and manipulation of matter at a scale smaller than a micrometer, ie at the level of atoms and molecules. This is a technology that characterized beyond those dimensions to operate also working on other disciplines such as chemistry or physics, particularly refers to the design, characterization and production of nano structures, nano devices and nano systems from novel 'control' the shape, size and properties of matter at that scale, with a view to its use in such and such civil and military applications.

Civil or military aside, there are a number of applications such as medical, environmental, food applications, electronics, telecommunications.

The existing and potential nanotechnology applications have already generated a double attention. On the one hand, there are large potential benefits that would enable the restructuring, in principle, all the material environment around us. And, on the other hand, identifies the possible implications of this transformation would generate in the environment and, hence, health would be present as novel nano structures designed by humans and which, based on the most part, are still unknown.

Striking is the uncertainty of the high risks involved with nanotechnology, these are very likely, and indeed in many cases difficult to detect immediately because what is being manipulated is directly perceptible to our senses.

The study on how it can affect development in this field of weapons development, rather than take a stand for or against, we must recognize the benefits and dangers of progress in this area and try to predict the future which will be the relationship between nanotechnology and now society to create policies and measures to ensure sustainable development especially in the field.

NANOTECHNOLOGY AND WEAPONS

The militarization of nanotechnology is a potential application. While obviously advanced nanomaterials have applications for the improvement of existing weapons and military hardware through new properties (such as the force-weight or change the reflection of radiation by means of molecular thermal changes stealthy applications) and molecular electronics could be used to build useful systems for missiles, there is no obvious way that any of the forms have now or in the near future can be militarized beyond what other technologies do as genetic engineering.

It is estimated that government spending on nanotechnology worldwide increased from 430 million dollars in 1997 to 3 billion in 2003; context in which the United States contributed 25 percent.

By 2004, Lux Research assumes that the global total expenditure to 8.6 billion. In 2005, the amounts suggested to have increased to 5.9 billion in the public sector, 4.5 billion of large and medium business and 500 million start-ups for a total of 10.9 billion.

For 2006 Lux Research figures need a total of 12.4 billion dollars: 6.4 billion in the public sector, 5.3 in high and medium businesses and 700 million start-ups.

Nanotechnology can be used to create undetectable devices - microphones and cameras the size of a molecule, and are likely to enter the realm of feasibility. The social impact of such devices depend on many factors, including who has accessed it, how well they work and how they are used. E.U.A. has provided much of this progress as well as Chinese and French. As the European Union produces data 29.64% of global nanotechnology another 29% United States and other smaller countries.

PA? SES L? LEADERS IN NANOTECH? A

The United States, Japan, South Korea and Germany dominate nanotechnology today, but Taiwan and China will challenge the leadership of these countries over the next seven years:

There are four countries that are classified as dominant today in both activity and strength of technological development in nanotechnology: United States, Japan, South Korea and Germany. Three other countries with small population classified as "Niche Players." with high strength in technology development needed to become jobs and products. Are Taiwan, Israel, and Singapore. Two countries with high activity in nanotechnology but low level of technology development strength in relative terms: The UK and France. Finally, there are nations that play in a lower league today: China, Canada, Australia, Russia, and India.

As these world leaders in nanotechnology, walking people always wondering what would happen if one of these first world countries so to speak, to demonstrate its military power, take a test a brother country and try to see the results of new weapons All hope for the sake of many people, try to make treaties and regulations to avoid future problems and disasters unleash the same man.

MILITARY EXPECTATIONS

The potential military applications of nanotechnology are such that one of the arguments used in the United States for the adoption of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), it was his great functionality for the war and the guarantee of "national security ".

The weight of the Pentagon in the development of nanotechnology is growing and far-reaching as it not only wins about a quarter of the total NNI budget, but also recorded additions of Congress and a number of expenses leaving scattered its own budget and related items under various and "masked".

This leads to the conclusion that military-style nanotechnology in the United States receives, directly and indirectly, about half the real total government budget. From there you can say that America is shaping the direction of the bulk of military-style nanotechnology innovations, a trend that does not change, even if it is noted that many applications are likely to be of dual character.

Military Priorities points out the NNI, highlights the search for solutions to the detection and protection against biological weapons and chemical-radiological-explosive, as well as for monitoring the health status of each soldier in order to increase their survival through nano biosystems. Shows the development of smart sensors, nano filaments or nano powders for making clothes, masks and custom military equipment chameleon functions in active relationship to the environment, to protect from sunlight through nano materials of high porosity, which are undetectable night vision systems, to neutralize all kinds of chemical-biological agents and / or "manage" antidotes.

From the perspective of offensive capability, other courses advertised that America seeks to encourage the assembly of nano-dimensional structures to develop: a) new materials for weapons letalesy, b) better versions of most of both nuclear and conventional weapons (weapons lighter and more capable munitions, Multi view spectrum, guided bullets, or guns that auto fire when the enemy is detected). It is worth mentioning two cases to illustrate how to: the gold nano clusters of sensitive and selective DNA detection developed a program of the Navy and that proved useful to improve the dispersion of Anthrax (both mass bleaching and / or selective), or the Naval Force program to develop what he calls the "sixth generation of energy" that are used for the development of more powerful ammunition.

Other studies address the growing use of structured nano photocells "printed" on plastic surfaces or textiles, as well as improving transfer systems / storage of energy, for example, through the aforementioned WiTricity technology or extension of the scope of load and the density of the batteries by developing ad hoc materials. Or those that shall endeavor to miniaturization and the exponential expansion of the capacity and resilience of electro computer from all types of military equipment, eg command centers, control platforms, aircraft, submarines, or even the laptop of the soldiers.

Among the programs to be developed are:

the development of space vehicles or devices and systems, including the development of a complex system of nano-satellites for surveillance and monitoring as a permanent global giant space antenna, the evolution of systems such as ballistic missiles cheap miniaturized, lightweight , more accurate and rapid global reach of various specifications, innovation of aircraft and other devices. For example, micro robots low cost aircraft like the Black Widow, the U.S. company AeroVironment, for monitoring missions, surveillance, reconnaissance or serve as decoys, as well as improving aerodynamics and aircraft camouflage.

The breadth of these programs that fit in the above "areas of interest" of the forces that make up the Pentagon, found the same pattern, at least in the short / medium term.

What's more, micro robots could come to be designed to function as "micro-weapons" smart to attack certain metals, lubricants, plastics or other materials. The goal: the destruction of conventional weapons or other strategic infrastructure of the enemy. Also, if it is technologically possible, indicating the possibility of its use, for example aerobically once ingested by humans, look for certain pre-programmed genetic codes and self-destruct in a "proper" location (like the brain). It ie, the nano / micro-cyborgs would act, in that scenario, such as chemical-biological weapons more powerful, effective and imperceptible micro and macroscopic laundering the enemy in conventional warfare scenarios covert war.

We previously reported indicating the potential of new and radical dimensions of scenes of violation of human rights, violence, subjugation and domination on and off the battlefield, to get out of control or planned operating range, the uncertainty about the dangers human health and the environment respectively, is attracting attention.

Nanotechnology development AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY

A nuclear conflict levels, guidance systems for nano computer and low-cost production of nano machines could be factors that will accelerate current trends in the proliferation of 'smart munitions'. Instead of requiring nuclear weapons to attack massive conventional forces and distant or hard targets, nanotechnology enhancements to cruise missiles and ballistic missiles could enable them to destroy their targets with conventional explosives. Conventional explosives themselves could be replaced by des-molecular assemblers would be rapidly effective, but with a lesser degree intentional destruction of buildings or surrounding communities.

Other experts have also to know their concerns. Say for example, determining the degree of confidence to run or resist military aggression would be rendered ineffective given the nature and speed would reach the manufacture of weapons, that the time for decision making Emergency and reduced intelligence, that the instruments for covert intelligence infiltration and sabotage would only blurring the distinction between confrontation and war in space, military and civilian satellites (spy itself) could be easily attacked other mini (nano)-satellite mission that had to leave "blind" the enemy, or that the production of nuclear weapons, and it could become self-the one hand more effective but also highly vulnerable to attack or novel techniques Neutralization.

An important question in this regard would be whether the existence of nanotech weapons would be a factor that stabilizes or destabilizes the international situation. For example, according to some theories, since its invention, nuclear weapons have prevented major wars. However, the weapons developed through nanotechnology are not like nuclear weapons. Nuclear stability is derived from at least four factors. The most obvious is the massive destructiveness of nuclear war. A war like nanotechnology is short term. The difference is that while nuclear weapons have a high cost, even after a hypothetical attack (nuclear contamination) in the case of nano-weapons, such damage would be much lower. Therefore, we can say that the general consideration on the plausible global military strategy in a context of extensive use of weapons based on nanotechnology, effectively aims at strengthening the use of so-called "preventive war" and even the ability to exert a devastating "first strike" as technological innovations matter further increase the current range of mutually assured destruction.

CONCLUSIONS

We find a wealth of nano-military applications that governments are developing and will not hesitate to try it against the next "guinea pig" that they call "terrorist."

Nanotechnology applications specifically military, few could have positive effects as sensors for verification of chemical-biological weapons. Most, rather, raises serious concerns, hence there is good reason to warn and implement precautionary limits, especially the major powers are steadily going to the edge nanotechnology.

The first world countries in general try to strive to ensure a technological advantage over potential adversaries. The problem is compounded when governments are questioning the current arrangements and arms control, preventive war preparations.

The military applications of nanotechnology have even greater potential than nuclear weapons to radically change the global balance of power in the future. Basically, this potential is in a wider range of military options to decide how to respond to aggression.

By allowing many countries had global destruction capacity, would also eliminate the ability of the most powerful countries control the international stage. And by making small groups self-sufficient, could encourage the fragmentation of nations.

That is nanotechnology can be a curse, as well as a benefit because while there are very good technological advances in other areas such as health, food, environment, too, there are advances in the arms industry and military forces which try to outdo each again to demonstrate a power that does not work, the planet if not the arrogance of some.

Moreover, without effective controls, the number of countries able to develop molecular nanotechnology could be much higher than the number of countries with nuclear capability, which increases the risk of outbreak of regional conflict.