One of the most important is for countermeasures against the threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Afghanistan and Iraq.
While strengthening the armour on the vehicles is an obvious and essential precaution, there is no doubt that electronic systems designed to prevent the devices being detonated can make at least as great a contribution to safety without adding excessively to the weight of the vehicle.
There are two major electronics countermeasures being explored. The first is communications jamming, to disrupt wireless detonation mechanisms. The second is in the area of detection, identifying where the devices are buried.
Longer term, military communications systems are likely to be one of the biggest areas of investment over the next five to 10 years.
The upgrade, which has already started, will create a fully digital net-centric communications system. Voice, data and video information can flow securely and rapidly throughout all theatre elements in the battlefield.
Naturally, one of the challenges with these systems is power.
Standard lead acid and AA batteries are in common use, and battery life continues to be an issue in a environment where lives depend on continuous operation and replacement batteries or recharging facilities are at a premium.
Improvements in battery technology are being developed, with lithium chemistries showing particular promise, and in some battle zones, solar power offers great potential.
Harvey Preston is a divisional director at TT Electronics