New Technology Enhances Data Processing for Combat Commands
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is collaborating with U.S. Combatant Commands (COCOMS) to operationally test an early version of its Joint Regional Edge Node (J-REN) system. This innovation aims to expedite satellite-based intelligence delivery to the battlefield, according to NGA officials.
A Revolution in Intelligence Access
Launched last year, the J-REN project modernizes NGA’s existing information technology infrastructure, enabling quicker responses to urgent requests for remote sensing imagery and analysis from commanders. The initial deployment will encompass hardware and software for four data processing systems strategically positioned „at the edge” of combat zones.
Vice Adm. Frank Whitworth, director of the NGA, expressed enthusiasm at the Space Symposium on April 8, stating, “That’s why I’m really happy to tell you it’s already in its initial operating capability. It’s already out there.”
Deployment and Future Exercises
The system saw deployment during exercises last year, conducted by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) and U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), with additional tests planned for „this summer,” as reported by an NGA spokesperson on April 14.
This increased demand for prompt imagery and analyses has fueled ongoing discussions between NGA and the Space Force, as both entities work to resolve discrepancies that have persisted for over a year.
Breaking Away from Traditional Methods
J-REN marks a significant shift from the traditional hub-and-spoke approach to intelligence gathering, opting for a design that utilizes mesh networks. This innovation aims to minimize communication bottlenecks while ensuring that military operators receive actionable information without overwhelming bandwidth with large data packages.
“Everybody’s taken a picture accidentally in hi-res and then you get frustrated when you can’t even send a text with it,” explained Whitworth, emphasizing the need for efficiency in data transmission in challenged environments.
Crafting Solutions for Challenging Environments
J-REN is particularly tailored to handle scenarios where information may be scarce, focusing on supporting commanders operating in „austere” conditions—whether at sea or in remote camps.
The system also introduces SlimGIMS, a new software application designed to refine the communication process for analysis and targeting data that meets specific commanders’ requirements. This application enhances NGA’s traditional GEOINT Information Management Systems (GIMS) by streamlining data gathering and dissemination processes.
Successful Test Outcomes
Recent testing of J-REN during the 2024 Valiant Shield and Tradewinds exercises showcased its capabilities, including the SlimGIMS tasking application. Valiant Shield, a significant two-year joint force exercise, was conducted from June 7-18 in various locations including Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. The exercise for the first time incorporated allied and partner forces, enhancing multi-domain collaboration alongside U.S. Space Command.
Tradewinds, another annual SOUTHCOM exercise, took place from May 4-16, 2024, in Barbados, focusing on multinational cooperation against transnational crime and natural disasters.
Post-exercise reports indicated that both J-REN and SlimGIMS effectively addressed capability gaps while drastically improving efficiency, reducing the time to formulate a collection request from an hour to just five minutes, as noted by the NGA spokesperson.
