Image Intelligence (IMINT) solutions are dedicated tools to support imagery handling through the intelligence and the operation chains. Thales systems for IMINT interpretation and dissemination are currently used in France by the Air Force, the Navy, the Army and many Government services for intelligence purposes at the tactical, operational and strategic level. Moreover Thales IMINT solutions offer surveillance and operation applications like targeting and battle Damage Assessment and Close Air Support.
Initially defined for the French Recce Army and Air Force (tactical reconnaissance and strategic intelligence), Thales IMINT systems are now widely used for ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) missions.
Exploitation of satellite imagery and video from UAVs and battlefield surveillance systems from SAR/MTI sensors are now available on the same intelligence and surveillance production environment. Thales IMINT systems have been extensively combat proven in particular by the French Air Force and the French Army during the recent operations of Allied Forces in Kosovo, Afghanistan and in support of UN verification in Iraq.
Tactical ISTAR:
ISTAR is a key military capability that generates and delivers specific information and intelligence to decision makers at all levels to support the planning and conduct of operations. Thales ISTAR solutions have the ability to convert information into intelligence that decision makers can act upon. These assets enforce the co-ordinated direction, collection, processing and dissemination of timely, accurate, relevant and reliable information and intelligence.
ISTAR capability can be generated at all levels of military operations. At the strategic level it involves the collection, analysis and fusion of a complex range of information from maritime, land, air and space-based platforms. At low level, the ISTAR Battalion is Thales’s response to the need of tactical comprehensive and modular ISTAR tool subordinated to Division or Brigade level.