Commercial satellite services played a crucial role in supporting the withdrawal of U.S. forces from air bases in Niger this summer.
Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman highlighted this achievement during his keynote address at the Air, Space & Cyber Conference on September 17, emphasizing the integration of commercial capabilities into military operations and the advancement of space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).
The West African nation’s ruling junta in April ordered the U.S. to withdraw its nearly 1,000 military personnel from the country, in an embarrassing setback for Washington that followed a coup last year in the West African nation.
The US agreed in April to pull troops from key drone base in Nigér, subsequently, Military instructors and personnel from Russia’s defence ministry arrived in Nigér, signaling that the West African country is building closer relations with Moscow like its junta-led neighbours. The military instructors are bringing an air defense system and will train the Nigerien troops.
The TacSRT Pathfinder Program
Gen. Saltzman detailed the successes of the Tactical Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Tracking (TacSRT) program, a $40 million pilot initiative launched to support AFRICOM requirements. The program aims to complement the intelligence community’s efforts by providing unclassified operational planning products on tactically relevant timelines. Since its inception, TacSRT has delivered critical updates on various issues, including flooding in Kenya and extremist activities in central Africa.
However, the most notable achievement of TacSRT was its support during the U.S. forces’ withdrawal from Air Base 201 in Niger this August. The program functioned as a marketplace, allowing the Space Force to procure tactical information from commercial providers to aid combatant commanders.
Operational Impact in Nigér
During the withdrawal, TacSRT maintained overwatch within a 5-kilometer radius of the base, significantly enhancing situational awareness for security forces on the ground. The timeline from data collection to delivery was reduced from an average of three-and-a-half hours to as little as one-and-a-half hours by the end of the operation. This rapid turnaround was crucial in ensuring the safety and efficiency of the withdrawal process.
The two U.S. air bases in Niger had been pivotal for missions targeting extremist groups in the region. In May, the Pentagon issued a formal directive for the withdrawal of all 1,000 U.S. combat troops from Niger, marking a significant shift in the United States’ counterterrorism operations and its strategic stance in West Africa.
However, following a military coup in July 2023, the Pentagon decided to withdraw its forces. Amid the ensuing unrest, the Space Force’s ability to monitor the situation provided invaluable support where ground-based situational awareness was limited.
The move disrupts longstanding counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel region, where Niger, and specifically the U.S.-constructed drone base at Agadez, has been central to U.S. strategy.
Before the coup, Niger had been a key partner in the U.S. fight against insurgents in the Sahel region of Africa, who have killed thousands of people and displaced millions more.
Future Prospects and Funding
The success of TacSRT underscores the potential of integrating commercial satellite services into military operations. The Space Force’s first Commercial Space Strategy has ranked TacSRT fourth among mission areas for developing hybrid architectures combining military and commercial systems. With Congress allocating an additional $40 million for the program in fiscal 2024, discussions are ongoing regarding funding levels for 2025.
Gen. Saltzman emphasized that TacSRT is not about targeting but providing situational awareness to enhance operational planning and safety. The Space Force, in collaboration with the National Reconnaissance Office, is also working on a separate program to deploy targeting satellites.
“It’s taking the data that’s already available, procured through the NRO and some of it through the NGA, and getting the commercial analytics to make sense of it and to figure out some pattern movements, if you will,” Kniseley said during his own media roundtable.
In that sense, Saltzman said, the program is almost akin to “surveillance as a service.” Through a virtual “marketplace” of vetted commercial providers, Saltzman explained, the Space Force puts out broad requests and gets, not raw images, but situation reports. In the Niger case, he said, they asked for anything anomalous occurring within “five kilometers” around the air base.
Commercial satellite imagery has proven to be a lucrative market for everything from environmental monitoring and forecasting to disaster response, areas where the U.S. military is often called upon for help. The Pentagon wants to shift some of its own surveillance and reconnaissance enterprise for tracking threats to space as well.
Expanding the Role of Commercial Satellite Services
The integration of commercial satellite services into military operations is not just about enhancing situational awareness but also about leveraging the vast capabilities of the commercial sector. By utilizing commercial analytics, the Space Force can interpret data more efficiently and identify patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. This approach allows for a more dynamic and responsive surveillance system, capable of adapting to various operational needs.
Surveillance as a Service
The concept of “surveillance as a service” represents a paradigm shift in how military operations can be supported. Instead of relying solely on traditional military assets, the Space Force can tap into a network of commercial providers to obtain timely and relevant information. This model not only broadens the scope of available data but also accelerates the decision-making process by providing actionable intelligence in near real-time.
Applications Beyond Military Operations
The potential applications of commercial satellite imagery extend far beyond military operations. Environmental monitoring, disaster response, and humanitarian aid are just a few areas where this technology can make a significant impact. By integrating commercial satellite services, the U.S. military can enhance its capabilities in these domains, providing critical support during crises and improving overall mission effectiveness.
Future Prospects
As the Space Force continues to explore and expand the use of commercial satellite services, the success of programs like TacSRT will serve as a blueprint for future initiatives. The ability to quickly and accurately gather and analyze data will be crucial in addressing emerging threats and maintaining a strategic advantage. With ongoing support from Congress and continued collaboration with commercial partners, the Space Force is well-positioned to lead the way in innovative surveillance and reconnaissance solutions.
In conclusion, the integration of commercial satellite services into military operations, exemplified by the TacSRT program, marks a significant advancement in the U.S. Space Force’s capabilities. By leveraging commercial analytics and adopting a “surveillance as a service” model, the Space Force can enhance situational awareness, improve operational efficiency, and support a wide range of missions. This approach not only strengthens the joint force but also underscores the critical role of space-based intelligence in modern military strategy.
The integration of commercial satellite services through the TacSRT program has proven to be a game-changer for the Space Force, demonstrating the operational value of commercial capabilities in military contexts. As the Space Force continues to expand and refine these efforts, the successful withdrawal from Niger stands as a testament to the critical role of space-based ISR in modern military operations.