Analysing Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance

Abstract

We investigate our novel and new technique for analysing Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) in military engagements. This is a small part of the work that has been carried out at the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and the Western Australian Centre of Excellence in Industrial Optimisation (WACEIO) to assess the value of ISR systems when the friendly operational commander is conducting Manoeuvre Warfare, which requires the friendly force that is relatively small and mobile be advantageously positioned in space and time to disrupt the strength and will to fight of the enemy force [2, 3]. Mathematical models of the ISR operations are developed for a generic engagement between the friendly and enemy forces, and then demonstrated using a maritime battle that necessitates the collection of information on the dispositions of the enemy scouts and their threats by a satellite (Option 1), an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) (Option 2) or both of these ISR systems (Option 3) prior to commencing hostilities. For the parametric choices that define these options, the results show that Option 3 is the best, Option 1 is the second best and Option 2 is the third best. Furthermore, the results show that our technique will assist with gaining a deeper understanding of how the ISR operations impact on the operational commander's objective.