The impact of the electronic intelligence-ELINT -in the future battlefield

Electronic technology has come to play an increasingly important role in military operations. To need information about enemy will be integral to any future conflict. Simply information warfare will dominate future war. Command and control warfare (C2W) and electronic warfare (EW) are the core of information warfare. Electronic warfare in its broadest sense goes far beyond electronic intelligence (ELINT). Satellites, aircrafts, unmanned aerial vehicles, ships, and land vehicles are used as a platform for electronic intelligence. In order to be effective at future war, intelligence must be integrated the tactical, operational, and strategic levels and used as part of campaign planning. Mutually supportive, intelligence enhances C W effects against enemy. The intelligence must be timely to support the current mission. Out of date or inaccurate data could lead to disaster for the commander's overall mission. Electronic intelligence (ELINT) sensors provide accurate and timely intelligence for the commanders. The implementation of information technology is essential to provide the automation necessary to transfer, process, and store the large volumes of data on the future battlefield. Electronic intelligence (ELINT) will play a significant role in the support developed to allow commanders to plan and maneuver faster than an adversary. Signal intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic intelligence (ELINT) sensors enable target detection and accurate location, on a large scale, in a short time. Airborne, ship-based, and land-based ELINT are currently used. The development of space-based and unmanned aerial vehicles electronic intelligence (ELINT) systems will be more affect the future battlefield. Other sensor platforms will continue to be used. New technology will offer the potential to achieve military objectives in different ways and indeed provide means to do completely new things. Maintaining close collaboration with allied partners, and with the civil sector, will be vital in order to maximize the achievement of the objectives and maintain a technological lead over potential adversaries whilst minimizing costs. xv