Near Term Signals Intelligence Solutions to Protect Forces on the Battlefield

Lessons from Operations ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) and IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF) highlight serious shortfalls in the US airborne signals intelligence (SIGINT) capability to support forces on the battlefield. The realities of the post Cold War era reveal limitations in the capability of space-based systems to collect tactical SIGINT on rapidly evolving capabilities of terrorist organizations. To develop new technology solutions, with the ability to exploit this target set, requires a substantial investment and years of research, development, and testing. US forces are currently left on the battlefield without sufficient tactical SIGINT support. Until newer technologies and platforms deliver in the future, airborne SIGINT systems provide the best potential of meet SIGINT needs. The Low Density/High Demand (LD/HD) nature of airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets makes them more vulnerable to over tasking. The extended surge in combat operations in the Middle East has taken its toll on LD/HD systems, which further complicates their ability to meet commanders' needs. Solutions to overcome SIGINT shortfalls should explore options that expand the existing airborne SIGINT deployment capability. Military leadership has addressed the issue of developing future SIGINT systems, using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), but must focus more on options that deliver more capability today to support US forces. This paper will analyze aspects of the United States airborne SIGINT architecture, exploring cost and time effective solutions to deliver increased capability to improve the level of protection for troops in combat.