MEMORANDUM FOR: The Director of Central Intelligence
MILITARY THOUGHT: "Urgent Tasks for the
Improvement of Aerial Reconnaissance Under Modemy Colonel-General of Aviationlronov and Major-General of Aviation M. Muskhln
Enclosederbatim translation of an article which appeared ln the TOP SECRET Special Collection of Articles of the Journal "Militaryoyennayaublished by the Ministry of Defense, USSR, and" distributed down to the level of Army Commander.
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Plchard Reims Deputy Director (Plans)
Original: The Director of Central Intelligence
cc: The Director of Intelligence and Research, Department of State
The Director, Defense Intelligence Agency
The Director for Intelligence, The Joint Staff
The Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Department of the Army
The Director of Naval Intelligence Department of the Navy
The Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence U.ir Force
The Director, National Security Agency
Director, Division of Intelligence Atomic Energy Commission
National Indications Center
Chairman, Guided Missiles and Astronautics Intelligence Ccmlttee
The Deputy Director of Central Intelligence
Deputy Director for Intelligence
Assistant Director for National Estimates
Assistant Director for Current Intelligence
Assistant Director for Research and Reports
Assistant Director for Scientific Intelligence
Director, National Photographic Interpretation Center
SUBJECT
THOUQHT: "Urgent Tasks for tho IwproveDent of Aerial Reconnaissance Under Moderny Colonel-Goneral of Aviation S. MIrcnov and Major-General of Aviation M. Mukbln
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Documentary
reliable source (B)
Followingerbatim translation of an article titled "Urgent Tasks for the Improvement of Aerial Reconnaissance Under Modern Conditions', by Colonel-General of Aviation S. Kir on or and Major-General of Aviation M- Muxfaln.
This article appeared in1 Third Issuepecial version of tbe Soviet military Journal Military Thought (Voyennayahia journal la published Irregularly and Is classified TOP SECRET by tbe Soviets. It la distributed only within the Ministry of Defense down to tbe level of Army Ccenander. 1 Third Issue waa sent to press onI.
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Tbe reconnaissance sircrsft which sre available can only partially perform their tasks. Moreover, their reconnaissance equipment does not provide for detection of small and mobile targets, for determination of their geographical coordinates, or for transmission of Information from tbe aircraft.
Tbe, whlcb la in series production, baa limited performance character 1st lea and the equipment installed oo these sircrsft permits only Tlsual observation and aerial photography reconnaissance during daylight hours under favorable weather conditions.
The second meet Important element of the aystem of aerial reconnaissance means is the complex of technical equipment of reconnaissance aircraft, including reconnaissance, navigational, snd coonunlcations devices designated for detection and identification of targeta, determination of their geographic coordinates, and transmission of the intelligence Information from the reconnaissance aircraft to tbe appropriate command posts. It should be noted that tha problems of receipt, processing snd transmission of Intelligence date in short periods of time,and in the necessary volumenre tbe most complex of all the problems facing aerial reconnaissance.
This Is explained by tba extraordinary and varied nature of tbe targets which may be point-likef small dimensions, areaerial, on land (onnderground (underoncealed or camouflaged. The characteristics of each type of targetreat influence on determining the requirements that are levied oo the reconnaissance devices: in relation to the capability for long-range detection of targeta, tbe resolving power of tbe devices, the time for conduct of reconnaissanceiven target, etc.
Aerial reconnaissance can exploit such important cbaracterlstica of targets ss, for example, the reflection end radiation of electromagnetic waves of various frequency ranges and also the magnetic, ionization and radiation characteristics. Thus, taking into account that the targeta of reconnaissance naturally emit electromagnetic waves, radio and radio-technical reconnaissance devices are constructed, and on tbe basis of exploiting tbe principle of reflections-aerial photography, television, infrared, radar and other devices are constructed.
The creation and perfection of navigational means which permit accurate geographical pinpointing of targets and the determinationurrent position of the reconnaissance aircraft is an independeit problem lo itself, es Is also mastery of the whole complex of reconnaissance devices.
Modern warfare empbaalzes the need to shorten, to the maximum extent possible, the Intelligencerom the time of receipt of tbe Initial reconnaissance Information to the time of receipt of exhaustive Intelligence data by the appropriatehole complex of Airborne and ground devices is necessary for this.
This problem can be resolved in various ways, for example, by transmitting the initial Information directly from tha reconnaissance aircraft. Another method is the processing of the Initial information aboard the reconnalaaance aircraft. hird not bod envisages having all the reconnaissance information accumulated aboard the aircraft but processing it oo tbe ground after completion of the reconnaissance flight. This method la basically embodied in tbe existing reconnaissance apparatus since the probleme of processing reconnaissance Information in flight and ita automatic transmission from tba reconnaissance aircraft are still unresolved.
The existing ground equipment is not capable of processing and transmitting reconnaissance Information in tbe required volume. For example, the production capacity of the phcto-laboratorlea of reconnaissance units provides for tbe processing of only fco toercent of tba photographic materials produced by reconnaissance crews during the courseay. unfortunately, as yet there has been inadequate development of such highly advanced means of reconnalaaance Information processing as television, photo-television, aerial photography with processing of photo-documents on board during flight, and also apparatus far the systematic processing of Information aboard the reconnaissance airplane with subsequent transmission to tha ground.
omplete resolution of thia problem, it la necessary to create ground points for collection snd automatic processing of information which is received from strategic, operational and tactical aerial reconnalaaance. For transmission of the reconnaissance Information to the Interested headquarters, it is necessary to introduce television, facsimile and other high-speed means.
An examination of the baaic elements that enter into the complex of aerial reconrjaieaance indicates that each of themomplicated scientific-technical problem.
In order to ensure tbe necessary coordination in tha development of aerial reconnaissance means and in tha activities of the various organizations conducting work in this direction, it lo advisable to concentrateingle center the proceseingjdevelopment and requests pertaining to all means of aerial as well as satellite reconnaissance. In our opinion, the air forces will most successfully cope with this problem with appropriate guidance from tbe General Staff. Together vith this measure, in order to eliminate more rapidly tha axis ting discrepancy between the capabilities of serial reconnaissance means and the requirements of modern weapons of destruction. It le advisable to broaden greatly the scope of scientific-research, experimental and experimental-de sign work la tha field of tbe creation of the latest technical means of aerial reconnaissance. In particular, it is necessary to designate the leading institutes (especially for tha development of reconnaissance devices) and to broaden the production base of tha Industry engaged in the creation of series models of serial reconnaissance means by widely initiating the production of devices in small series. In this connection, the development and creation of nev aerial reconnaissance means should, in our opinion, be considered one of tbe primary tasks in tbe field of increasing tne combat readiness of all types of armed forces.
In order to ensure timely intelligence data for all types of armed forces, we mustumber of problems that are connected with determining the numerical composition of aerial reconnaissance forces for peacetime and wartime conditions, tbe organizational structure of these forces and control over them, snd also the development of the most favorable system for the flow of Intelligence information from tbe lowest level to all interested echelons.
In considering tbe necessity forigh degree of combat readiness of aerial reconnaissance, wo believe tbat in peacetime It la very Important to have strategic, operations^ and tactical meana in quantities which will permit tha timely detection of the preparations of an aggressor for nuclear/missile attack and will provide all types of armed forcea with Intelligence data in the initial periodar. The readiness of tbe aerial reconnaissance forces must correspond to th* combat readiness of our strike forces and above all of our missile troops.
In view of the fact that in the majority of cases aerial reconnaissance will be carried on under conditions of strong opposition from enemy PVO weapons and will be accompanied by significant losses, it is necessary to envisage tbe creation of special reserves for tbe period of tbe war, including those of tbe Supreme High Command, which are capable of ensuring reinforcement of reconnalaaance forces on the most Important axes of operations of our troops. During the course of operations, because of tbe sharply increased troop maneuverability, aerial reconnaissance must be marked by very frequent observation ofhich meansarge number of flights by manned and pilotless means.
Research, based on materials from training exercises and maneuvers of our troopa* Indicates^ that in the most typical front offensive operationeveloped'theater of combat operationsroup of enemy armies consisting ofoivisions. It will be necessary toeconnaissance flights per calendar day. In determining tha overall number of aerial reconnaissance forces and means requiredront. It is necessary to keep in mind the fact that the average potential of manned reconnaissance aircraft consists of 1 lights per calendar day for tacticallights for operational reconnaissance,lights for strategic reconnaissai
The new tasks facing aerial reconnaissance slsohange in the form of the structure of the entire Intelligence system. In our opinion, the baaIs of tha organizational structure of the Intelligence system must be the idea of ensuring centralized direction and useA all forces and means. To accomplish this, it is necessary, along. theXaW, which does not embrace all types of Intelligence, to have
f1 th* Mlri'n* rv nf fpfalV w>
upon which should be levied:
within the Ministry ofingle directing intelligence organ
upon
--the working cut and Improvement of the system of equipping
elements;
working outingle organizational-organic structure of intelligence units and organs;
of the activities of the intelligence organs of the various types of srmed forces snd the organization of coordinated operations among them;
direction of all types of intelligence.
The absence at the present time of such an intelligence organ does not provide an opportunity for the most effective use of our available forceo and means of intelligence anderious obstacle to the creationingle Intelligence system within our armed forces.
The direction of strategic, operational and tactical aerial reconnaissance with the aim of receiving reconnaissance data for all of the Interested echelons should, in our opinion, also be concentrated in appropriate intelligence centers. Tor thla, the forces and means of strategic aerial reconnaissance of the armed forces, Including satellite raconnalesancs, should be concentratedpecial center of the air force, vhlch would be responsible for providing intelligence data both to the Supreme High Command and to all types of armed forces. The forces and means of operational and tactical aerial reconnaissance should be concentrated in the intelligence centers of air armlea (air forces (voyenno vozduabnyyoof fleets or groups of troopa) which would be responsible for furnishing intelligence date to tbe troopa of the district (front or fleet).
He consider the Introduction of aerial reconnaissance units and subunits into the (TOSdC) of combined-anna and tank armies prematura for the time being,arge number of service units and subunits would be required for airfield support. esult, this would decrease the maneuverability of the combined-arms formations, would resultispersal of tha already limited forces of serial reconnaissance, would binder combat support of the operations of aerial reconnaiasance forces, and in peacetime would slso significantly weaken the organization of combat training and the direction of reconnaissance units and subunits. As pllotless means for reconnaissanceield of combat are introduced, means vhlch do not require complicated maintenance, it will be possible to Introduce them into thef combined-arms formations. At tha present time, hcvever, combined-arms and tank armies must receive reconnaissance data from the headquarters of the front, which, depending on tbe combat situation vhlch is taking shape, will carry out operations by the forces snd means of serial reconnaissance on behalf of all troops and in accordance with the goals of the front operation being conducted.
It should be noted that the Intelligence organs which exist in the main headquarters of the WS, tha headquarters of naval (voyenno-morskoyaviation, and in air armies (WS of districts and fronts) by virtue of their small numbers and organizational
eet ion, will not be able to perform tha taake which wo propose to levy oo the intelligence centers of strategic andactical reconnaissance. Also, the separate reconnaissance squadrons created In tbe milltsry districts (groups of troops) instead of aviation regiments, are not capable of fulfilling combat tasks to the required extent, and the extremely limited forces and means of aerial radio-technlcel reconnaissance are widely dispersed: ircraft available ln tha special purpose (oeoboyeunits of districts (groups of troops) and ln the reconnaissance units of air armlea.
It le perfectly clear that the existing duel subordination of units and aubunlta of tactical aerial reconnelesance (to the district end to the air army) and the dispersal of reconnaissance means, weakens direction of them and does not permit sufficiently efficient and purposeful organization of cooperation between operational and tactical aerial reconnaissance.
Therefore,it seems to us advisable, to create aviation reconnaissance regiments in acme military districts (groups of troops) primarily oo the main axes. Instead of having separate small intelligence subunits ' in each military district.-
The question of having cadres of reconnaissance specie lists for intelligence organs and units and subunits of aerial reconnaissance is also very important at the present time.
In connection with the Increased demands of modern conditions, specialists of the intelligence organs of all echelons must have brood general and special training. Hovever, this cats gory ofersonnel bas not been trained ln military educational institutions In toe course of recent years. ignificant part of toe intelligence organs and staffs of air regiments are still manned with officers who do not have the necessary theoretical knowledge and work experience.
The acute shortage of reccenelssaoce specialists ceo be eliminated only by establishing special trainingufficient j scale ln the military educational institutions of the country. In addition, in the interests of maintaining permanent cadres of intelligence personnel, It would also be advisable to resolve the question of the material-legal incentivea of the personnel of Intelligence organs and unlta.1
*
Also of no snail Importsnee Is the problem of Improving the TOSS of reconnaissance units. In aviation reconnaissance regiments, for example, the position of photogrammetric interpreter is usually filled by privates and privates first class who are serving their normal period of compulsory military service. Taking into account that under modern conditions decision* for thef veapona of mass deatruction vlll be made on the basis of the interpreted materials of aerial photo-reconnaissance, ve consider that it Is advisable to assign to these positions officer-spec la lists and soldiers who are serving voluntarily beyond tbe required period and who possess high qualifications.
Inew words about the preparation of Intelligence organs and tbe training of Intelligence personnel.
At the present time, the performance of reconnaissance tasks la not being achieved to the required extent because of tbe extremely limited training facilities, the lack of trained command posts for controlling reconnaissance aviation, tbe lack of proper opposition by PVO forces and weapons during training exercises, and also because significant limitations In ths mode of operation of reconnaissance aircraft In flight cause serious defects in the training of unit* and Intelligence organ*.
In order to improve tbe combat training of intelligence organs and units, it is necessary above all to create an appropriate training facility which will permit the training of unlta and intelligence organs in the conduct of reconnaissance of weapon* of mass destruction snd determination of the coordinates of targets with the maximum possible accuracy. In our view, it la advisable to create within the armed forces specialised inter-district firing ranges with control and support means which provide targets which are mobile at firing positions both on tbe firing ranges and in areae outside the ranges.
In order that reconnaissance units perform their tasks during training exercises under conditions of strong enemy PVO, we feel that lt is necessary during the training to create realistic countermen cures by fighter aircraft, by unlta of antiaircraft missile troops (zenltnyye raketnyyend by radio Jamming.
ArA finally. In order to work out, during tbe course of the training of units, the whole complex of tasks ln tbe collection, processing snd analysis of reconnaissance data, and also for tbe transmission of ifcese in the shortest period of time to tbe interested headquarters, it Is advisable to employ the maximum possible number of reconnaissance units and subunits and the intelligence organs of all echelons in the troop training exercises end maneuvers.
Speedy resolution of the entire complex of problems facing aerial reconnaissance will ensure tbe elimination of the gap which haa formed between its capabilities and the requirements of tbe troops. This will Increase tbe effectiveness of tbe use of tbe new weapons of destruction and also the combat readiness and combat efficiency of all typea of armed forcesignificant degree.
Original document.
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