He added that virtual intruders have previously tried to extract files related to missile tracking systems and the Joint Strike Fighter.

BBC: Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn

Mr Putin is expected to urge Mr Blair to refuse to allow the US to modernise missile-tracking radar stations in the UK if the White House decides to go ahead with a new missile defence system dubbed "son of Star Wars".

BBC: Putin seeks UK 'co-operation'

SportVU uses the concept behind missile-tracking technology to log the exact location of every player and the ball 25 times per second on X, Y and Z coordinates, leading to millions of data points for NBA teams' resident quants to study.

WSJ: Tracking Technology Goes Back to School