Space Imagery Support to NATO Response Force Operations

NATO is in the process of implementation of NATO Response Forces (NRF). Such NRF should be capable of deployment within days anywhere world wide, typically to execute crisis response operations. In the past 10-15 years, the unavailability and/or inaccessibility of accurate and up-to-date geographic and intelligence information have proven to be a continuing problem. Despite effort made to improve this situation, map products in map scales suitable for preparation and execution of operations are a scarce resource. Today’s operations, such as NRF missions, are undertaken at short notice and consequently provide short preparation times to the military. This makes the unavailability and/or inaccessibility of accurate information an increasingly important issue. In this paper, an integrated receiving and processing ground station – tailored for support of NRF operations – will be presented, as well as typical examples of information products generated. The results and lessons learned from the participation by the ground station in exercises Low Lands and Allied Warrior will be discussed as well as recommendations for further technical work and suggestions for political actions to enable uptake of ground stations in national and international military operations.