Expanding Emerging Non-Traditional ISR (NTISR) Collection and Network-Centric Warfare (NCW) Capabilities

This paper focuses on expansion of emerging non-traditional intelligence collection capabilities into the electromagnetic spectrum. While Non-Traditional Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (NTISR) collection in current operations has proven beneficial to intelligence and operational entities alike, focus to date has been solely on imagery collection. Breakthroughs in digital receiver technology have enabled strike aircraft capabilities to collect and preserve electronic emitter data not possible in the past. With advancements in network-centric warfare (NCW) capabilities and communications links, correlation of data collected by these assets with traditional sources can be conducted near-real-time. Development efforts and demonstrations have proven successful; the next step is integration into current intelligence collection processes to support future operations. With the undeniable shortage of airborne intelligence assets and shrinking budgets, funds for additional collection platforms are non-existent. Through minimal investment in enabling technologies, emerging capabilities such as these can supplement the overworked ISR workforce in the near-term, prior to fielding of next-generation platform capabilities. These technologies are force-multipliers, not only refining targeting efforts, but also improving intelligence collection persistence and access as well. A thorough examination of existing intelligence collection and targeting processes is necessary to integrate these capabilities into the air and space arena, with resulting recommendations provided.