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Originally Posted On: https://www.midconcables.com/midcon-blog/the-role-of-military-grade-wiring-in-national-security/

What do think of when someone says “national security systems”? Tanks? Planes? Maybe satellites and missiles?

What is a National Security System?

A national security system is any system that is used to protect and safeguard the security and interests of a nation. Although national security systems can include a range of different components, such as people, equipment, infrastructure, and policies, we’ll focus on the electrical and electronic portions.

National security systems can include:

• Military Systems — weapon and communication systems used by armed forces, such as aircraft and air defense systems, naval assets, missiles and missile defense systems, and ground-based forces
• Intelligence Systems — used to gather, communicate, and analyze information on threats and risks, and may include surveillance systems, spy satellites, and communication networks
• Critical Infrastructure — roads, railroads, airports, the electric grid, and municipal water supplies are examples of systems which could be targeted by enemy or homegrown terrorist attacks
• Cybersecurity Systems — assets such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption that protect information systems and networks against cyber attacks and other digital threats
• Emergency Management Systems — used to respond to and manage emergencies, terrorist attacks, and natural disasters

All national security systems are critically important. They must provide:

• Confidentiality — information created, used, stored, received, and transmitted must be protected from unauthorized disclosure.
• Integrity — National security systems must prevent information from modification or deletion by unauthorized entities.
• Availability — Systems must be operational when needed, even in wartime or disaster conditions.

What Is Military-Grade Wiring?

Electrical and electronic components within national security systems require wiring for communication, control, and power. Often, national security systems are subject to extreme environmental and operational conditions.

Military-grade wiring is manufactured according to the very stringent requirements set forth in military specification (MIL-SPEC) standards. There are several MIL-SPEC standards, depending upon the operational and environmental requirements of the system involved.

Military systems (and wiring) must meet rigorous and extreme requirements such as durability and high-performance, and be resistant to extreme temperatures, vibration, shock, electrical interference, caustic elements, and other hazards.

Such wiring is often buried deep within military weapon systems, and must operate reliably for decades at a time. It may not be repairable at all, as in the case of satellite systems. Failure or compromise of wiring could have serious operational consequences or render the system unusable.

Civilian and commercial systems such as cyber security systems, critical infrastructure, and emergency management systems may also have stringent operational requirements which are best served by the use of military grade wiring.

Overall, military-grade wiring is an important component of national security systems, providing reliable and secure information and power transmission, essential to the successful operation of critical military and civilian systems.

Military-Grade Wiring Solutions from MidCon

Since 1972, MIDCON Wiring Solutions has partnered with military and defense teams to develop fully custom cabling solutions that meet military-grade standards. We specialize in the sophisticated collaboration and customization that’s necessary for the defense and aerospace sectors.

MIDCON is an employee-owned, NADCAP-certified company with facilities in South Carolina and Missouri. Contact us today to discuss a custom and military-grade cabling that meets your organization’s rigorous quality standards and performance requirements.