Technologies for IMINT and SIGINT

This work reports up-to-date information about the latest technological developments in Imagery Intelligence (IMINT) and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) within the EuroAtlantic community. The work is based on the outcomes of the NOTIONES “iNteracting netwOrk of inTelligence and securIty practitiOners with iNdustry and acadEmia actorS” project, which is funded under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. Nowadays Intelligence technologies are no longer the sole prerogative of National Intelligence agencies and Law Enforcement Agencies. To the contrary, there is a commercial proliferation of IMINT and SIGINT technologies and tools. The paper deals with different methods, means and technologies used for Imagery Intelligence activities, with particular emphasis on IMINT capabilities of airborne and space platforms such as manned aircrafts, UASs, HAPSs, and imaging satellites. For Signals Intelligence the paper shares insights of the different subfields of this Intelligence discipline: Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) and Communication Intelligence (COMINT). The purpose of this review of technologies and tools is to facilitate the discussion among Intelligence and Security practitioners, the academic world and the technology providers, with the final goal of expressing clear requirements and recommendations about future research lines and development objectives.