Means Of Intelligence Collection

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

General D M Shoup

1. Introduction. It has always been the commander’s wish to know about his enemy as much as possible. The success in any battle in future will be affected by the availability of real time information about the enemy since accurate and timely intelligence has consistently given the battlefield commander a decisive edge and ultimate victory. An information superiority also enables concept of operations that generates increased combat power by networking sensors, decision makers and shooters to achieve shared awareness, increases speed of command, higher tempo of operations, greater lethality, increased survivability and a degree of self-synchronization. In essence, concept of information age warfare translates information superiority into combat power by effectively linking knowledgeable entities to create a high level of shared battle space awareness.

2. The modern armies of today largely depend upon their Intelligence system for undertaking planning and successful execution of conventional and unconventional operations. All operations start with gathering of intelligence, its speedy analysis and dissemination. In most of the operations a continuous and real time flow of information is required for completion of the mission. These above mentioned process cannot be completed without a sophisticated intelligence equipment and infrastructure, moreover without the capability of collecting timely and accurate intelligence and ensuring its availability for use, no C4I system would be worth its name. Hence, ISR has become a necessity for success in all hostile environments, cut across all domains and can be conducted throughout the range of military operations from peace, to war, to conflict resolution.

Aim

3. To analyze ISR capabilities of contemporary armies so as to draw relevant lessons for Pakistan army with emphasis on low intensity conflict (LIC) environment.

Scope

4. Keeping in view the vastness of the subj, the discussion has been limited to following:-

Part I. ISR systems – Definition and Components.

Part II. ISR cap of contemporary armies.

Part III. ISR capabilities of Pakistan.

Part IV. Role of ISR in LIC operations.

Part V. Analysis and Recommendations.

Conclusion.

PART I

ISR SYS

"ISR is the foundation of Global Vigilance, Reach, and Power"

Gen T. Michael Moseley, USAF

5. ISR Definition and Relationship of Intelligence, Surveillance and

Reconnaissance

Intelligence. The product resulting from the processing of information concerning foreign nations, hostile or potentially hostile forces or elements, or areas of actual or potential operations. The term is also applied to the activity which results in the product and to the organizations engaged in such activity. [1] 

Surveillance. Surveillance is the systematic observation of aerospace (air, space, and cyberspace), surface, or subsurface areas, places, persons, or things, by visual, aural, electronic, photographic, or other means. [2] Surveillance is a sustained process, often passive and not oriented to a specific target.

Reconnaissance. Reconnaissance is a mission undertaken to obtain, by visual observation or other detection methods, information about the activities and resources of an enemy or a potential enemy. [3] Reconnaissance operations are transitory in nature to build intelligence by fusion and analysis is used to formulate strategic policy and military plans. [4] 

ISR - Definition. ISR is defined as an activity that synchronizes and integrates the planning and operation of sensors, assets, and processing, exploitation, and dissemination systems in direct support of current and future operations. [5] 

6. Goals of ISR System. Principle of ISR is to provide desired effects through synchronization and integration of the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance activities. ISR operations provide decision makers the intelligence and situational awareness necessary to successfully plan, operate, preserve forces, conserve resources, accomplish campaign objectives and assess kinetic or non-kinetic effects to gain and maintain decision superiority. Its goals are summarized as under [6] :-

a. While improving own Observation, Orientation, Decision, Action (OODA) Loop, interfere in enemy’s OODA loop.

b. Curtail enemy’s liberty of action while enhancing own.

c. Provide situational awareness for own decision makers by diluting the fog of war for own forces and making the battle field transparent.

d. Ensure greater control of own war machine while weakening the control of adversary.

Types / Categories of Intelligence. ISR supports strategic, operational and tactical operations hence can be divided into following categories:-

Tactical ISRIntelligence. ISR support at the tactical level of operations primarily focuses on current/future tactical threat warning, mission planning, targeting and combat assessment. It facilitates field commanders to anticipate what can happen in the combat zones. Tactical intelligence is directly related to the perimeter of security.

Operational ISR/Intelligence. Operational level ISR provides the information crucial to planning and executing theatre wide operations at highest level of all three services that help accomplish the commander’s objective. Operational Intelligence focuses upon real-time monitoring of enemy force structure, development of infrastructure, training activities vis-à-vis doctrines, intentions, movement/ mobilization and activities.

Strategic ISR/Intelligence. Strategic ISR derived information is required at the strategic level to formulate national policy, strategic/ military planning at the services level and the provision of indications / warning at national/ international level. Intelligence is to provide accurate, timely and predictive information to enable decision makers to take appropriate actions before crises development and to support the decision makers as crises unfold.

Means of Intelligence Collection

Signal Intelligence (SIGINT). There are two major sub-disciplines that fall under SIGINT which are Communication Intelligence (COMINT) and Electronic Intelligence (ELINT):-

(1) Communication Intelligence (COMINT). Intelligence collected from target’s communication emitters is called COMINT and it includes analog voice or encrypted digital signals. Typical COMINT systems are as following:

(a) Integrated High Frequency (HF) Early Warning system.

(b) Integrated Very / High Frequency (V/UHF) Early Warning system.

(c) Portable H/V/UHF Early Warning system.

(d) AB platform (heli-borne based).

(e) Mobile Digital Narrowband Radio Operation Centre.

(f) Integrated Wideband Receiver System (IWBRS).

(g) Handheld Direction Finder.

(2) Electronic Intelligence (ELINT). Intelligence collected from non-communicating emitters (radars etc) comprising of analog / digital radar signals Information for detection and classification of radars. ELINT sensors are as under:-

(a) Integrated ELINT EW systems.

(b) Airborne ELINT systems e.g. AEWACS etc.

b. Imagery Intelligence (IMINT). Intelligence derived from imagery acquired by photos, radars, electro-optical, infra-red, thermal and multi-spectral sensors, which can be ground based, sea borne or carried by overhead platforms. The information conveyed by an image is clear, concise and un-equivocal which serves to support, confirm or negate intelligence derived from other sources. The bulk of IMINT is derived from sources such as satellites, aircraft and UAVs.

c. Human Intelligence (HUMINT). It is a category of intelligence derived from information collected and provided by human sources. The range of HUMINT sources is enormous. HUMINT is of particular value in the confirmation or augmentation of IMINT and SIGINT.

d. Measurement and Signal Intelligence (MASINT). Scientific and technical Information is obtained by quantitative and qualitative analysis of data (metric, spatial, wavelength, time dependence, modulation, plasma and hydro magnetic). It is derived from specific technical sensors for the purpose of identifying specific features associated with the sources, emitter or sender and to facilitate subsequent identity and/ or measurement of the same.

e. Open Source Intelligence (OSINT). This intelligence is based on Information collected from open sources such as the media, radio, television and newspapers. OSINT is most likely to be the source of basic intelligence, although, with the capabilities of modern gathering equipment, there will be occasions when ‘on the spot’ TV reporting will be used to produce current intelligence.

f. Radar Intelligence (RADINT). This is intelligence derived from the use of radar as a detection device. For example, identity of an object, which may or may not be recognizable, at a specific bearing and range from the radar or the simple detection of movement at a certain point on the ground.

g. Acoustic Intelligence (ACINT). This type of intelligence is derived from the collection and processing of acoustic phenomena. Examples of ACINT sources are hydro-phones, geo-phones, SONAR and Artillery Surveillance Reconnaissance System. ACINT is primarily concerned with maritime movement involving detection, tracking and possible identity of submarine contacts .

9. Components of ISR

Military Observation Satellites. These satellites use optical sensors to penetrate below the earth’s surface and to determine the nature of enemy activities:-

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites.LEO can cover the surface of the earth in one day. These satellites are usually placed at an altitude of 150-200 km.

Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) Satellites. MEO Geocentric orbits ranging in altitude from 2,000 km (1,200 mi) to just below geosynchronous orbit at 35,786 km (22,236 mi). Also known as an intermediate circular orbit.

Geo-Synchronous Military Satellites. These are placed in geo-synchronous orbits, besides being used for provision of communication can also be used for other military purposes.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) / Remotely Piloted Vehicles (UAVs). UAVs are being integrated at all levels of military operations offering unprecedented intelligence collection capabilities and greater freedom of action.

Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) / Airborne Radars. AWACS provide all-weather surveillance, command, control and communications needed by the commanders. The radar combined with an identification friend or foe (IFF) subsystem can look down to detect, identify and track enemy and friendly low-flying aircraft by eliminating ground clutter.

PART II

ISR CAPABILITIES OF CONTEMPORARY ARMIES

India

India has concentrated on the advancement of information gathering technology rightly identifying its importance in the future battle field and countering internal and external threats. Some of the programs related to intelligence agencies which it is pursuing are:-

NTFO (The Future) [7] . National Technical Facilities Organization [NTFO], has been created by the government. It will act as a super-feeder agency for providing technical intelligence to other agencies on internal and external security. The organization will do hi-tech surveillance jobs, including satellite monitoring and internet monitoring, considered vital for the national security apparatus.

Indian Space Program. India has successfully launched nine earth observation satellites. Now India is trying to improve the quality of their remote sensing satellites commonly known as Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites. Each remote sensing satellite passes over Pakistan every 21st day. The movement of these satellites is coordinated in such a way that each part of Pakistan is photographed every seventh day. In addition, India has the facilities of LAND Satellite of United States, SPOT satellite of France and COSMOS of Russia. In this way, the period of 7 days is further reduced to 4 days. Under the IRS series India launched Cartosat -1 on 5 may 2005. This satellite has a resolution of 2.5 m and future program is to launch Cartosat-2 with a resolution of 1 m. Indian attempt to launch its first indigenously produced satellite failed on 14 july 2006 when GSAT-2 carrying INSAT 4C was destroyed seconds after the launch.

High Altitude Air Reconnaissance. Indian MIG-25 and Mirage 2000H can fly at an altitude that is beyond the range covered by our radars and Surface to Air Missiles (SAMs). Besides MIG-25, India also has Jaguars and MIG-21 for tactical reconnaissance.

Aerial Photography. The IAF has two means of aerial photography, i.e. Infrared lines scan (IRLS) and long range oblique photography (LORAP). Both these systems can be attached to various aircrafts.

Falcon AWACS System. In March 2004 India and Israel finalized a $1bn deal for the supply of three Falcon airborne early warning radar systems. Falcon is a competitor of the US-made AWACS system. It will become a joint medium to provide Intelligence, Command, Control & Communications (C4I) to all the three services.

Indian Air Force .India is maintaining a large and modern air force which is capable of providing early warning to ground forces. It maintains a variety of signal intelligence and electronic warfare capabilities. Some of the surveillance capabilities are discussed below :-

(1) Conventional Surv Means

(a) Radars

Radar Range

PPS-12 3 Km

BFSR 10 Km

RATIC 20 Km

PASIR-72A 30 Km

ZB- 298 20 Km

PIF-518 20 Km

Stentor 60 Km

GRL-600 50 Km

PSM-33 510 Km

GRL-610 900 Km

(b) Other Means

(i) Observation towers.

(ii) Radiological sensors / signal communications.

(iii) Intercepting unit ( Signal Operation Groups / Wireless Experimental Units).

(iv) Air photographs.

(v) Intelligence sources (RAW).

(vi) High altitude reconnaissance (AWACS , RPVs)

g. Side Looking Airborne Radars (SLARs).SLARs are also being used to observe troops movement and terrain information. It has an effective range of 60 Km.

Remotely Piloted Vehicles (RPVS). The indigenously produced RPV’s are Lakshya and Nishant (Falcon):-

Nishant. It is being developed for real time day and ni battlefield surveillance and reconnaissance for extended duration. 150 sys are held on Indian Air Force /Army inventory. Nishant has enhanced the effectiveness of long range Surface to Surface Missiles (SSMs), arty sys and acts as an imp force multiplier. Major features are:-

(a) Range - 100 kilometers

(b) Altitude - 13100 feet

(c) Speed - 150-200 kilometer per hour

(d) Endurance - 4 hours

(e) Payload - 45 kilograms

(g) Sensors - Day light FLIR, LRF / designator

(2) Lakshya. Lakshya is a pilotless target aircraft. It is a subsonic, cost effective, reusable aerial target which realistically simulates an airborne threat with high maneuverability. It has following characteristics:-

(a) Range - 100 kilometers

(b) Alt - 300 - 9000 meters

(c) Speed - 0.4 to 0.7 Mach

(d) Endurance - 50 minutes

(3) Searcher. Searcher is an advance Israeli RPV, which provides day and night ‘real time imagery’ coverage. Its main characteristics are:-

(a) Range - 144 kilometers

(b) Altitude - 4600 Meters

(c) Op ceiling - 18500 feet

(d) Endurance - 12-14 hours

(f) Sensors - TV camera, FLIR/ both

(4) HERON. The Heron is a long range (upto 225 kilometers) medium altitude and long endurance (upto 50 hours).It can carry out real-time surv, Electronic Warfare and Electronic Intelligence missions,maritime patrolling and act as communication relay.

(5) Harpy. It is a lethal. long range, medium endutrance , medium to high altitude anti radar attack RPV. It is capable of carrying heavy multi purpose payload and has long op range and endurance. It has fol char:-

(a) Range - 250 kilometers

(b) Alt - 26000 feet

(c) Speed - 50-130 Kilometer per hour

(d) Endurance - 36 hours

(6) HAROP Loitering Munitions (LM) System. Harop is remotely piloted suicide drone with 23-kg warhead equipped with electro-optical sensors, high performance FLIR and color CCD with 360 degrees hemispherical coverage to search for an identify targets. It can hover over a battlefield allowing the operator to select non emitting static or moving targets, radar transmitter and suspected ballistic missile sites.

United States of America (USA)

The United States intelligence and security apparatus is a vast collection of departments, agencies and offices. It is not a single monolithic entity, although within it is a unified, decentralized group of 15 intelligence and security organizations known as the Intelligence Community (IC). The intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance means held with United States include a wide range of a. Unmanned Aerial/ Remotely Piloted Vehicles and satellite systems.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles/ Remotely Piloted Vehicles. Initial generations have primarily been surveillance aircrafts, but some have already been fitted with weaponry. The major reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles in use in United States armed forces are:-

RQ-1 Predator/RQ-1 Mariner. The Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is equipped with reconnaissance equipment and weapons to provide persistent Intelligence gathering, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capability.

RQ-2 Pioneer. RQ-2 Pioneer was initially deployed aboard battleships to provide gunnery spotting, its mission evolved into reconnaissance and surveillance.

RQ-4 Global Hawk. Global Hawk is a high-altitude platform for surveillance and security. It can provide high resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images that can penetrate cloud-cover and sandstorms coupled with electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) imagery at long range with long loiter times over target areas. It can survey as much as 40,000 square miles (103,600 square kilometers) of terrain in a day.

RQ-5 Hunter.Hunter is a tactical unmanned aerial system in service with the US Army. The systems entered service in 1996. Hunter has also been sold to France and Belgium. The Hunter system is capable of carrying out real time imagery intelligence, artillery adjustment, battle damage assessment, reconnaissance and surveillance, target acquisition and battlefield observation. The primary payload is the Multi-Mission Optronics Payload which includes television and forward looking infrared (FLIR) to provide day/night surveillance capability.

MQ-9 Reaper. The Raytheon AN/AAS-52 multi-spectral targeting sensor suite includes a color/monochrome daylight TV, infrared, and image-intensified TV with laser rangefinder/target designator to designate targets for laser guided munitions. The Synthetic Aperture Radar system enables precision targeting, provides very fine resolution in both spotlight and strip modes with ground moving target indicator capability.

Dragon Eye. The Dragon Eye aircraft is used primarily for scouting urban areas and is especially useful in urban assaults. Its camera, when used with a trained Marine, can be used to spot enemies without alerting them to the UAVs presence. The Dragon Eye has been extensively used in post-invasion Iraq, 2003–2006.

Satellite System At the moment, U.S has 216 satellites in space out which few important one’s include:-

Vortex. Vortex is a U.S Department of Defense and U.S Air Force SIGINT satellite that can listen to radio transmission originating from Earth or Space. It is operated by the National Reconnaissance Office. The intercepted data is fed into and analyzed by the National Security Agency. Vortex has been superseded by the larger, more capable Magnum and Orion SIGINT satellites.

Lacrosse. Lacrosse and Onyx are the rumored code names for the NRO terrestrial radar imaging reconnaissance satellite. Lacrosse uses synthetic aperture radar to perform mapping.

Landsat. A unique resource for global change research and applications in national security with variable 15 to 30 meter resolution.

IKONOS. It is a commercial earth observation satellite that collects high-resolution imagery at 1 and 4 meter resolution.

Key Hole (KH). It is a reconnaissance satellite series which consists of 13 satellites, details are as under :-

Time

Code

Optics / Resolution Meters ( m )

Remarks

1959–1972

KH-1 to

KH-4

7.5 m, 2.75 m, 1.8 m

First known series of US spy satellites;

1961–1964

KH-5

140 m

1963

KH-6

1.8 m

1963–1967

KH-7

0.46 m

1966–1984

KH-8

0.5 m

1971–1986

KH-9

0.30 m

cancelled

KH-10

1976–1995

KH-11

0.15 m

First known digital imaging spy satellite.

1990

KH-12

0.15 to 0.10 m

Digital imaging; possible "live" intelligence gathering.

1999

KH-13

0.10 to 0.04 m

Very little known; possibly includes radar imaging or maybe stealth technology.

Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Management and

Control Systems

a. Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS). United States Intelligence and Reconnaissance wing operates the ISR Weapon System also known as the Air Force Distributed Common Ground System. The wing produces and provides timely, tailored intelligence data and capabilities. The wing performs imagery intelligence, cryptographic and measurement and signatures intelligence activities, targeting and general intelligence production, intelligence data handling system network operations and data/product dissemination.

b. E-8 Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS). It is a battle management and command and control aircraft of the United States Air Force. It tracks ground vehicles and some aircraft, collects imagery and relays tactical pictures to ground and air theater commanders. The E-8 carries specialized radar, communications, operations and control subsystems to provide wide area surveillance, ground moving target indicator (GMTI), fixed target indicator (FTI) target classification, and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) modes.

United Kingdom (UK)

General. A number of specialized units also operate within the British intelligence community. These include the Government Communications Centre (for code making and breaking), the Ministry of Defense intelligence sections, and various Foreign Office intelligence groups.

Government Communications Head Quarters (GCHQ) [8] .

GCHQ provides Government Departments and Military Commands with signals intelligence. In addition it also provides advice and assistance to Government Departments and the Armed Forces on the security of their communications and information technology systems.

Defense Geographic and Imagery Intelligence Agency (DGIA) [9] . The Agency main tasks are production of imagery intelligence and geographic information in support of current military operations.

Military Survey Defense Agency [10] . Its role is to ensure the provision of geographic and geospatial support to defence planning, training and operations - providing the Armed Forces with the mapping they require throughout the world.

Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre (JARIC) [11] . Its role is to exploit and analyze imagery from all available sources and produce intelligence products and services to meet the requirements of Ministry of Defense (MOD) and the operational Commands.

Project Helix. It is a £400m programme looking at the cost effectiveness of a number of platforms, including MRA4, Business Jets, Large Aircraft and UAVs, that could undertake the Electronic Surveillance task.

This information is gained through various means which are :-

UAV /RPV

Mercator. It is solar powered UAV that is expected to be able to survive through the whole dark and light cycle of the day. This is achieved by having the solar panels run the craft while simultaneously recharge the batteries to sustain the plane during the dark period.

Corax. It is a stealth UAV part of a program to develop pilotless combat vehicles for future warfare.

Raytheon Sentinel. It is an airborne battlefield and ground surveillance platform for the British Royal Air Force. Originally known as the ASTOR (Airborne STand-Off Radar). The main radar is a Raytheon Systems dual-mode Synthetic Aperture / Moving Target Indication (SAR/MTI) radar known as Sentinel Dual Mode Radar Sensor (DMRS).

Skylynx II. Skylynx II is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed to support regiment-level reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition missions. It is equipped with an electro-optical (EO) and infrared imaging system, and is capable of locating and tracking human and vehicle targets.

Space Satellites. UK does not have any satellite of its own in space but uses the facility provided by the closest ally USA. However after the cold war an attempt was made but shelved due to extra ordinary heavy expenditures.

Australia

Australia in last few decades has developed its sophisticated equipment to be at par with modern needs for ensuring its unthreatened existence with development and advancements in its defence structure. They have been operating various systems for getting information, brief account of which follows:-

VIGILAIRE. Vigilaire command and control system fuses 245 different inputs from 45 systems varying from ground based to space based systems for intelligence and surveillance purposes .

b. Jindalee Over the Horizon Radar Network (JORN).The JORN is a very capable system that provides coverage against moving targets over very wide areas.

c. WEDGETAIL. Wedgetail represents a fundamental shift in airborne surveillance technology due to its ability to control the battle space by providing situational awareness across huge swaths of the battlefield, simultaneous tracking of airborne and maritime targets, control of air defence assets, communications relay capabilities and surveillance of the electronic spectrum.

d. RQ-7 Shadow. The RQ-7 Shadow unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is USA manufactured UAV used by Australian Army for reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition and battle damage assessment. Its electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) camera relays video in real time via a C-band line-of-sight data link to the ground control station (GCS).

f. SCAN EAGLE. ScanEagle carries a stabilized electro-optical and/or infrared camera on a light-weight inertial stabilized turret system integrated with communications range over 100 km, and flight endurance of 20+ hours. It is designed to provide high quality real-time ground imaging through adverse weather conditions or other battlefield obscurants.

NATO

Present day challenges of defence and global conflicts imposed to sovereign states has seen their alignment towards coordinated response of all in order to avoid catastrophic failures hence alliances has been formed. NATO is also such outcome including 28 countries from around the world grouped together to tackle difficult security situations. Need to develop the modern means with interoperability between member countries has seen development of different systems for joint cooperation. These interoperability systems include:-

Alliance Ground Surveillance System(AGS). NATO plans to acquire an AGS system that will give commanders a comprehensive picture of the situation on the ground. The NATO-owned and -operated AGS core capability will enable the Alliance to perform persistent surveillance over wide areas from high-altitude, long-endurance, unmanned aerial platforms operating at considerable stand-off distances and in any weather or light condition. Using advanced radar sensors, these systems will continuously detect and track moving objects throughout observed areas and will provide radar imagery of areas of interest and stationary objects. AGS will be able to observe what is happening on the earth’s surface, providing situational awareness before, during and, if needed, after NATO operations.

CAESAR. The CAESAR Project will maximize the efficient and effective use of high-demand, low-density surveillance platforms and ground stations among the coalition member nations. The Project's goals are to establish interoperability through technical interface, architectural design, and operational standards for employing surveillance platforms and ground stations to support the U.S. and other coalition ground, air, and maritime commanders.

RADARSAT Constellation. It is constellation of earth observation satellites of Canada which are meant to monitor different earth regions from space. It is filling a wide variety of roles, including terrestrial defence surveillance and target identification, geological mapping, land use mapping, wetlands mapping and topographic mapping.

SORAO. The SORAO Battlefield Surveillance and Target Acquisition Subsystem comprises of suite of active and passive sensors capable of covering the whole area of combat. Data acquired by the sensors is sent to data correlation centres where aggregation and distribution of data is performed. SORAO functions are battlefield surveillance, target acquisition, data acquisition, correlation and distribution artillery fire support. Typical sensors include long and medium range UAVs, mini RPVs, counter-fire radar, heliborne radar, laser rangefinder and thermal infrared rangefinder.

CRESO. Creso P2132 is a pulse Doppler radar used for battlefield surveillance and target location. The main tasks for Creso are the detection of moving targets on the ground at long range beyond the forward edge of the battle area, the counting of targets in a designated sector, localization of targets with high precision, and data collection with minimum exposure. It is highly resistant to ECM and has growth potential for air-to-air surveillance.

Joint Capability Group on ISR (JCGISR). The aim of JCGISR is to enable Joint Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, based on inputs from NATO’s Defense Requirements Review process, by supporting technical interoperability within and between NATO and Coalition ISR systems All Source Intelligence Integration Sub Group (ASIISG).

STARE. It is development effort that is designed to provide a system to create timely, actionable intelligence at the tactical level. System for Tactical Archival, Retrieval, and Exploitation (STARE) and Link 16 integration collects, exploits and disseminates Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery, stationary and moving target information, and High-Definition (HD) video to NATO networks.

MAJIIC 2. It aims to enhance the collection, processing and sharing of key information in support of political and military decision makers. The objective of MAJIIC2 is to demonstrate seamless provision of ISR data in a network-centric manner to enable war fighters and C2ISR systems on IP based operational C2 networks to access and exploit ISR data to support near-real-time operations and in-depth analysis.

PART III

ISR CAPABILITIES OF PAKISTAN

18. Recent advancements in field of technology has seen the battlefield transformation relying to electronics based systems automatically analyzing the situation for decision of commanders. In Pakistan, advancements are as follows:-

a. SELEX Galileo Falco. The Falco UAV can operate at maximum altitude of around 16,400 feet (5,000 m) and endurance of up to 14 hours can be attained. [12] It can house range of sensors, including electro-optical/infrared turret, Gabbiano 20 multi-mode surveillance radar and the PicoSAR radar, active "e-scan" radar providing synthetic aperture radar imagery and ground moving target indication. The Falco can also carry the SAGE electronic warfare suite for accurate direction-finding, classification and geo-location of emitters. [13] 

b. Mukhbar. Mukhbar is a short range unmanned aerial vehicle designed and manufactured by SATUMA of Pakistan. [14] The fuselage and wings are made of non-metallic materials to minimize radar signature. The UAV is fitted with an avionics suite including autopilot, telemetry, video transmitter and day light camera with an operational radius of 30–50 km.

c. Burraq. Burraq is an advanced unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) program currently under development by the joint civil-military venture of PAF and the NESCOM, a civilian defence research and development organisation. UCAV was reported to be undergoing flight testing and would be armed with a new laser-guided ASM missiles and laser designator. [15] 

d. Hud Hud- III. It is a bigger size UAV with improved aerodynamics, endurance and payload capacity. It is capable of real time video recording for further analyses alongwith real time colored video with relation to area map.

e. BREGUET BR.1150 ATLANTIC. The Breguet Br.1150 Atlantic is a long-range reconnaissance aircraft, primarily designed for use over the sea and held with Pakistan Navy. It is used in several NATO countries as a reconnaissance and patrol aircraft as well as anti-submarine aircraft.

f. Aerial Photography by PAF. It includes following:-

(1) LORAPS

(a) It is high speed / high altitude (above 30,000 Ft) panoramic photo system used for oblique photos.

(b) It can take photograph of en area while remaining within own border.

(c) It can be employed in pre/post hostilities phase meant to gather info about en terrain, ground conditions, identification of target area, enemy assembly area & gun positions /other weapon systems.

(2) Other systems. It includes following:-

(a) Panoramic System

i. It is used for tactical reconnaissance at low altitude/ high speed.

ii. Air craft has to fly over the target area during war.

(b) Line Scanner (IRLS). It is used for vertical photograph both during day & night.

(c) Infra T-33 Camera System. It is used for vertical & oblique photography during day only.

PART – IV

REQ OF ISR IN LIC OPS

19. Threat Spectrum

a. The under developed countries of Third World face conflicts from three different sources i.e. Based on the residual legacies of their imperial past, those caused by internal factors, with or without the aid and abetment from outside and disputes created or inspired by the outside powers. In all such cases, the Low Intensity Conflict can assume serious proportions if safe sanctuaries are available in immediate neighbourhood.

b. In Pakistan Low Intensity Conflict situation is presenting itself in all the three above mentioned categories. The concept of national integration encompasses political, social, cultural, geographical and economic integration. In our case the whole weight of all these ingredients is placed on the fundamentals of Islam. Unfortunately these elements of national integrity have always been under constant threat from internal and external aggression. The geographical and political environments of Pakistan provide congenial environment for the conduct of low intensity operations.

20. ISR Req – Traditional Ops Vs LIC. Army’s operational environment is a composite of the conditions, circumstances including all enemy, adversary, friendly, and neutral systems across the spectrum of conflict, and its understanding to help commander in taking decision. It evolves as the campaign or operations progress. Successful mission accomplishment requires understanding of the operational environment. ISR operations are intended to gather information and data that can be processed into information and intelligence for immediate application by the commanders. ISR supports the full spectrum of operations through five tasks i.e. synchronization, integration, Reconnaissance, conducting surveillance and conduct related missions and operations.

21. ISR Visualization. Conventional operations generally require a more simple approach to intelligence than low intensity conflicts. LIC ISR does not have an identifiable end point in terms of collection. ISR continues over an indefinite period of time to understand the behavior of an individual, group, or population and assess how behavior changes as the LIC campaign unfolds. The range of intelligence needed to be effective is drastically broader including intelligence dependent on cultural factors that cannot be provided by overhead sensors alone. As the commander’s emphasis shifts from conventional operations to LIC, ISR needs to shift from target collection management to effects based management. ISR becomes more complex and the analyst is required to understand and merge more and more diverse data sources to fully understand the impacts and consequence of a LIC operation. Further, intelligence analysis is driven toward a population centric approach. To accomplish this, Collection Management needs to shift toward meeting need based requirements where users need is tied directly to security, governance, or economic components of a LIC campaign plan.

PART – V

ANALYSIS

22. Shortfalls In Existing Intelligence System. For LIC, the Army would need a cohesive intelligence set-up designed, organized, equipped and especially trained to operate in an extremely complex conflict environment. We have seen this aspect in almost every known operations that intelligence contributed major part in success or failure of the operations. Our past experience shows that Intelligence has been the weakest area of our security operations. On employment, the army finds intelligence vacuum. The intelligence picture is either scanty or other intelligence agencies are reluctant to share information. Various intelligence agencies have generally been working in isolation as seen in Balochistan insurgency and handling of Sindh situation. Latest intelligence gathering means like computers, internet, remote sensing through satellite has not being incorporated at formation level. No concept of intelligence preparation of battle field for tackling LIC situations is existing which is of much use as a modern aid. In general, following shortcomings hamper the painting of exact operational picture:-

a. Non existence of national intellignce setup `which may serve as single platform for all active intelligence systems to share the information.

b. Non existence of training material for handling of specific information and measures taken by intelligence setups to monitor and reduce LIC operations.

c. Non existence of LIC based intelligence setup for keeping an eye on causes of rest or unrest in specific areas.

d. Non cooperation between different intelligence agencies of civil or military institutions.

Shortfalls in Existing ISR System

23. After having identified the problems faced by army of its previous involvement in Low Intensity Conflict and the conclusions thereto certain recommendations made are:-

a. Low Intensity Conflict Doctrine. Based on Low Intensity Conflict policy and strategy (issued by Defence Committee of the Cabinet) Low Intensity Conflict doctrine should be formulated by General Headquarters. Under such doctrine following roles can be assigned to directorates at General Headquarters:-

(1) Military Operations Directorate. A separate Low Intensity Conflict section be established with the following tasks: -

Issue comprehensive operational directives.

(b) Provide troops on requirement basis.

(c) Co-ordinate all intelligence and logistic requirements for the following contingencies:-

i. Peace time assistance to the civil government agencies (training and security etcetra).

ii. Pre-deployment activities.

Tasking of formations.

Post deployment monitoring, co-ordination and logistic back up.

(2) Psychological Operations Directorate. It should perform following tasks:-

Formulate and co-ordinate theme/response suiting own policy in co-ordination with Military Operations Directorate.

Psychological hardening of own troops against Low Intensity Conflicts through prepared literature and visits of experts to units and formations.

(3) Role of Inter Services Public Relations Directorate. In a Low Intensity Conflict, an intense psychological campaign be launched by Inter Services Public Relations Directorate to give an effective aggressive media coverage to counter the threat as well as educate general masses regarding Army’s role, and intentions while combating the threat.

b. Force Structure. Most Third World countries including Pakistan can not afford to have two force structures – one for the Low Intensity Conflicts and the other for conventional response. Ideally police and paramilitary forces should be made capable of handling such contingencies. The Sindh Rangers have taken a modest step in this direction. The concept of the newly raised Elite Force in Punjab is a fairly effective response to the problems in the province. The drills and standing operating procedures of the Frontier Corps are well known and tried. Need of Army to resolve these issues will remain prevalent. In the succeeding paragraphs effort is made to explain the changes/adjustments by which we can transform from conventional mode to Low Intensity Conflict mode in the desired time frame and still retain our efficiency as a conventional fighting force.

c. Intelligence. Our past experience shows that Intelligence has been the weakest area of our security operations. On employment, the army finds intelligence vacuum. The intelligence picture is either scanty or other intelligence agencies are reluctant to share information. Following measures are suggested in this regard:-

A national intelligence set up be raised, may be within Inter Services Intelligence to combat Low Intensity Conflict. This set up should comprise Inter Services Intelligence, Intelligence Bureau and Intelligence of three services. It should establish intelligence and counter intelligence network throughout the country. This body should keep a constant watch at possible Low Intensity Conflict situations, causes of unrest and target areas.

In order to avoid intelligence vacuum at the time of induction, Army should keep its integral intelligence set up linked to other agencies deployed throughout the country.

All field formations should have a similar network in their area of responsibility. It must have close co-ordination with intelligence set up and exchange vital information regularly.

(4) Efforts should be made for gaining cis-frontier operational intelligence, which once studied/analysed along-with political and trans-frontier intelligence should give a clear picture of emerging threats to national security.

f. Civil - Military Co-ordination. A civil – military co-ordination committee should be established at division level. This should include the elements from Army, Civil Armed Forces, Police and Civil Administration. The committee should meet regularly and subsequently feed Internal Security Wing at corps headquarters. Following tasks can be assigned to this committee:-

Study the threats in their areas.

Develop a combined strategy to operate, incorporating all elements to achieve the objectives.

Exchange information.

Establish the kind and degree of assistance required from each other.

PART VI

RECOMMENDATIONS

24. ISR for LIC must focus on discovering the unknown activity of an adversary, characterizing it, and exploiting it. For support of LIC operations it also requires a clear and sustained focus on population‐centric activities such as governance, development, and local population – sometimes before the start of hostilities. This demands a thorough understanding of historical, socio‐cultural, economic, educational, and environmental aspects of the area of operations in addition to political and military factors and trends. This in turn requires more basic or fundamental intelligence.

PART VI

CONCLUSION

25. ISR is a rapidly changing mission set that is heavily reliant on technology and human analytical capabilities. Recent conflicts have generated increased expectations from ISR resources to get actionable intelligence faster and more fused. This transformation was predicated on ISR operations being globally integrated to meet increased expectation. The Air Force leads the way in integrating ISR into, and through all domains with capabilities using distributed operations to provide the commander with actionable intelligence as expeditiously as possible. Distributed ISR operations allow for global integrated ISR capabilities to be presented with a reduced forward footprint. The primary system for enabling distributed operations is the data networks, a network-centric, global enterprise. As global integrated ISR operations mature and capabilities improve, the demand for ISR will increase. Due to finite number of ISR capabilities, especially platforms, prioritization and dynamic retasking considerations will be magnified. The Armed Forces are required to be prepared to meet these challenges and lead the way in integrating ISR missions especially under LIC environments. The goal is to maximize the utility of ISR assets by collaborating with other elements in the theatre, other government agencies, and Coalition partners to provide accurate, timely, and objective ISR to support decision making.