How uncrewed surface vessels performing ISR help build persistent maritime awareness
Think of sensing and detection as a network as opposed to individual unmanned surface vessels.
"[I]ncreased situational awareness in the space domain is absolutely essential for NATO allies," Maj. Gen. Paul Lynch, deputy assistant secretary general for intelligence on NATO's military staff, said today.
Analyst Ryan Bohl told Breaking Defense the boats in question "are mostly for brown water in near shore operations that are useful for anti-smuggling activity and light security patrols."
"It can be difficult to make these systems work in practice. I expect that it will take quite a bit of money, time and focus to get a system like this actually operating," said David Brewster, a senior fellow at Australian National University's National Security College.
Data from Kleos satellites will be able to cue other intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance satellites or aircraft as they spot ships.
Tiny Luxembourg is mighty in Europe's space innovation sector. Because of a government-backed investment and tax-break scheme launched in 2017, it now is home to more than 50 commercial space companies and research labs.