The Strategic Defense (SD) Network[1] was a orbital defense network, which consisted of a series of defense platforms, built by the ISA Alpha Centauri to protect Vekta from Helghast aggression.
History
The Vektan ISA began constructing the SD Network in 2304 during which of lacking interest to maintain the Helghan blockade.[2] The network was also chosen by the ISA as a less expensive alternative to maintaining the ISA Navy.[2] The network was commanded from a defense platform. A year prior to the outbreak of the Second Extrasolar War, the ISA began construction of a second defense platform to complement the 52 year old defense network.[2]
The defense network, however, was ultimately compromised by the Helghast due to the actions of Helghast collaborator General Stuart Adams, the appointed military commander of the network, who allowed Helghast military forces to bypass Vekta's defenses and turning the SD Platform and the defense network against the ISA and UCA reinforcements.[3] An ISA team led by Jan Templar stopped Adams and allowing the UCA to destroy the Helghast-controlled defense network.[4]
Trivia
- The SD Network is most likely an analogy to the Maginot Line, a heavy fortification line, that was built by France to deter invasion by Nazi Germany prior to the outbreak of World War II. However, the Maginot Line ultimately failed in its purpose when German military forces bypassed the Line by invading through the Ardennes Forest in Belgium. The Maginot Line has since become a metaphor for expensive efforts that offer a false sense of security.