The Use Of Satellite Reconnaissance For Tactical Intelligence

Paper number

IAC-07-E3.2.06

Author

Ms. Anna Burzykowska, King's College London, United Kingdom

Year

2007

Abstract

Space reconnaissance is usually considered in strategic terms - it serves for the collection of information, which is of a long-term value (ships construction, missile testing, industrial development, etc.) and is usually pipelined to the strategic headquarters for the digestion and implementation. The concept of tactical intelligence bypasses national intelligence establishments and goes directly to the forces in the field, where it can be used immediately. It usually involves not only the use of reconnaissance assets but also reliable (and maneuverable) communication systems.

Traditional imagery intelligence systems are consisting of a complex technical infrastructure (air-borne, space-born systems, command and control systems).That means that the filed command can use real-time imagery of the enemy movements for the situation awareness ("the knowledge of where you are, where other friendly elements are located, and the status, state, and location of the enemy") and in order to operate ("exercise of command and control across the range of military operations") within single integrated environment. Tactical imagery intelligence is a routine in case of military operations: it is aimed to support the concrete military action in order to facilitate a precise application of force and the conduct of the so-called "organized warfare." It is based on the cognitive function of imagery, which usually includes graphical displays, maps and information-rich interfaces about the battlefield. 

The way that the tactical imagery has been used in military conflicts has changed overtime, mostly due to technological change, but also because of the transformation in standard operational procedures. These days, the tactical intelligence can be used to prevent international crises to the greatest extent ever. Therefore this paper will provide an overview of the use of tactical intelligence imagery for crises monitoring and as a battlefield application during different international conflicts during the Cold War (Cuban Missile Crises, Vietnam War, Afghan War, Soviet interventions in Eastern Europe, Middle East (between 1963 - 1988)) and during contemporary conflicts in the Gulf region and Central Asia in order to visualize possible tactical applications. It will further reevaluate the axiomatic premise confined in the concept of the tactical intelligence and reflect on the impact of the use of civilian surveillance systems for the situation awareness. As they provide incentives for global transparency and confidence-building measures using the methods and techniques, which in the past were masterminded by national intelligence services, they now facilitate the fundamental and qualitative change in truly global crises prevention and management - the opportunity which should no longer be overlooked.

Abstract document

IAC-07-E3.2.06.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-E3.2.06.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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