The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), a cornerstone of the United States’ intelligence community, is at the forefront of an intense debate over its role in the rapidly changing landscape of space-based surveillance and reconnaissance. NGA’s mission, once centered on traditional mapmaking, has evolved into a complex role that includes validating the authenticity of incoming sensor data from a multitude of sources, tasking spy satellites, and disseminating critical intelligence to U.S. military commanders and government agencies.
In a resolute defense against criticisms suggesting the agency is a bottleneck to rapid intelligence delivery, Vice Adm. Frank Whitworth, NGA’s director, emphasized the agency’s proficiency in timely intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) provision. Addressing concerns head-on, Whitworth remarked during an exclusive interview, “I would just also caution, that if someone thinks that just raw data [sent to that] edge node is going to solve everything, I would ask them to put themselves in the position of maybe being that pilot or being that submarine captain, skipper or … the land component commander. Is the image going to help that individual without some level of analysis, fusion, [and] validation?”
Whitworth’s commitment to both the speed and accuracy of intelligence dissemination is apparent as he challenged the “complete myth” that NGA is not moving swiftly enough to meet operational demands. He confidently asserted that military commanders are generally satisfied with the agency’s performance, noting that his inbox would be “exploding if we’re doing a bad job.”
The NGA has been embroiled in discussions, particularly with the Space Force, over the respective roles each agency should play in managing ISR assets. Yet, Whitworth, addressing attendees at the US Geospatial Intelligence Foundation’s GEOINT conference, stressed the importance of collaboration, stating, “It’s no place for a stovepipe, or multiple stovepipes. It requires a joint or integrated approach, where we all work together.”
As part of its efforts to ensure data integrity and expedite intelligence delivery, the NGA is implementing an IT modernization program called Joint Regional Edge Node (J-REN). Whitworth explained that J-REN is designed to create a resilient mesh network that avoids the vulnerability of a hub-and-spoke model. This innovation aims to enhance the agency’s ability to deliver critical data to users at the “far end of the edge.” In addition, NGA is also establishing a new Joint Mission Management Center (JMMC) to further aid in satellite-based ISR collection and decision-making across the Intelligence Community.
The agency’s proactive stance extends to embracing the power of artificial intelligence (AI). NGA has taken operational control of Project Maven’s GEOINT AI services and is working on integrating AI into combatant command workflows. Acknowledging the challenges posed by China’s military, Whitworth highlighted the need for secure and ethical AI development processes, revealing the establishment of a “GEOINT responsible AI training program” (GREAT).
As NGA anticipates “significant” contracts for commercial GEOINT data services, the agency remains steadfast in its commitment to meet growing demands and to leverage industry analytics and automation. These contracts, known as Luno and A, luno, alpha, are set to propel NGA’s capabilities even further.
In the realm of intelligence where certainty, speed, and reliability are critical, the NGA’s continued evolution and technological innovation are vital to national security. Its leadership, understanding of operational priorities, and commitment to collaboration underscore its essential role in the ever-shifting space of global surveillance and reconnaissance.
Relevant articles:
– NGA director pushes back at criticisms of agency, touts ‘wetware,’ tradecraft (EXCLUSIVE), Breaking Defense
– NGA eyes imminent, ‘significant’ contracts for commercial GEOINT object detection, analytics, Breaking Defense