1 Introduction
1. ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target
Acquisition and Reconnaissance) is a key military capability that
generates and delivers specific information and intelligence to
decision makers at all levels in support of the planning and conduct
of operations. At the lowest tactical level it consists of individuals
using their eyes and reporting what they see. At the strategic
level it involves the collection, analysis and dissemination of
a complex range of information from maritime, land, air and space-based
platforms. The ISTAR process is fundamental to Network Enabled
Capability.[1]
2. ISTAR is a broad subject and includes the
co-ordinated direction, collection, processing and dissemination
of timely, accurate and relevant information and intelligence.
Given its importance, the Committee plans to undertake a series
of inquiries into ISTAR. Our first inquiry focuses on the contribution
of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to ISTAR capability. The Ministry
of Defence (MoD) has acquired a number of UAV systems as Urgent
Operational Requirements (UORs) and is also acquiring the Watchkeeper
UAV system, which is expected to enter service in 2010. Our inquiry
examined a range of issues relating to UAVs and ISTAR, including:
how the UAVs acquired for current operations are performing and
the lessons being identified; the progress on the Watchkeeper
programme; and the MoD's future plans for exploiting the ISTAR
capabilities offered by UAVs. UAVs are used primarily as collectors
of information and intelligence. During our inquiry we also examined
some of the factors that are limiting the most effective use of
the ISTAR information collected.
3. We held three oral evidence sessions. The
first oral evidence session was on 6 May 2008 with Air Vice-Marshal
Simon Bollom, Director General Combat Air; Air Vice-Marshal Stuart
Butler, Capability Manager Information Superiority; and Air Vice-Marshal
Chris Nickols, Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff (Operations).
The second oral evidence session was on 13 May 2008 with representatives
from UK industry / UK defence trade associations. The third oral
evidence session was on 3 June 2008. At this session we took evidence
from representatives of Thales UK, the prime contractor for the
Watchkeeper programme, and from representatives of Northrop Grumman,
a global defence and technology company with a long history of
providing UAVs to military customers, particularly in the United
States.
4. We received written evidence from the MoD,
defence companies and others.[2]
We are grateful to all those who contributed to our inquiry including
our specialist advisers.
1 Delivering Security in a Changing World - Future
Capabilities (Cm 6269) published in July 2004 states that:
"NEC is about the coherent integration of sensors, decision-makers
and weapon systems along with support capabilities. NEC will enable
us to operate more effectively in the future strategic environment
through the more efficient sharing and exploitation of information
within the UK Armed Forces and with our coalition partners. This
will lead to better situational awareness across the board, facilitating
improved decision-making, and bringing to bear the right military
capabilities at the right time to achieve the desired military
effect.", para 2.1 Back
2
Ev 48-87 Back
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