This article explores the challenges faced by US and allied Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft when threatened by aerial aggression. It highlights the need to use unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to preserve the safety of crews and the value of ISRs. The advantages of UAS, their ability to carry out missions in hazardous environments and their potential in Arctic surveillance are also discussed.

Obtaining high-quality intelligence information, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) is essential for the USA and its allies, but it can be a dangerous task. In recent years, incidents around the world have highlighted the risks faced by ISR aircrews, who are threatened, harassed and sometimes even attacked by reckless pilots, putting both pilot and crew lives at risk.

ISR risks:

US and allied ISR aircraft, such as RC-135 Rivet Jets, US Navy maritime patrol aircraft and US Air Force surveillance aircraft, operate openly in international airspace, often over international waters. Their operations are legal and transparent, but this does not protect them from dangerous episodes involving aircraft from regional powers.

In 2022, Russian fighter jets almost collided with a US Navy maritime patrol aircraft three times in 24 hours. Shortly before Christmas the same year, a Chinese J-11 fighter came within about 20 feet of a US Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft.

These incidents highlight the ongoing importance of risk reduction for those tasked with collecting ISR, as well as the challenges posed by hostile regional actors. Threats are not limited to US aircraft, as other allies have also faced dangerous interactions.

The value of ISR aircraft:

ISR aircraft, derived from airliners, are national treasures. Each aircraft, like the RC-135 Rivet Joint, is an exquisite example of technical collecting equipment. However, it’s essential to remember that these aircraft carry flight crews comprising pilots, navigators and mission teams, including electronic warfare operators and intelligence analysts. They can accommodate up to 30 people. Irrespective of the monetary costs of the aircraft and its systems, the human value is inestimable.

Although high-quality ISR collection is worthwhile, the risks are high. However, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) offer an alternative that can protect crews.

Keeping crews out of harm’s way:

UAS have not been spared the aggressive behavior of hostile powers. In Syria, Russian fighters have harassed US Air Force MQ-9 Reaper aircraft involved in ISR or counter-terrorism missions as part of the international campaign against the Islamic State.

Most famously, in the spring of 2023, Russian fighters collided with an MQ-9 over the Black Sea following an escalating campaign of abuse, resulting in the loss of the aircraft. However, the loss of an aircraft does not necessarily mean the loss of a human being.

The Black Sea collision demonstrated the value of giving American and allied commanders the option of sending an aircraft on a dangerous mission without endangering a pilot’s life. The US Air Force simply relinquished the aircraft and got on with the job.

What’s more, the constantly evolving ISR capabilities of the Reaper or its counterparts, such as the Gray Eagle 25M or the MQ-9B SkyGuardian, are beneficial to the USA and its allies. These aircraft are equipped with extensive integrated sensors for real-time, high-definition collection of various types of data, but they can also carry specialized payloads to extend their capabilities.

Versatile applications in hazardous conditions:

UAS excel in many hazardous environments, in addition to combat zones. They help fight forest fires by providing constant surveillance, communications and other services. They contribute to rescue operations after severe storms, floods or other disasters. When conditions are dangerous or areas of operation are difficult to access, aircraft such as the MQ-9A Reaper, Gray Eagle 25M or MQ-9B SkyGuardian are ready to intervene.

Arctic surveillance:

Arctic areas have become increasingly important due to growing maritime traffic, resource exploitation, fishing, security and much more. These inhospitable environments require constant surveillance, but this presents a considerable challenge for human pilot crews. UAS solve this problem by enabling effective and safe surveillance in extreme conditions.

The use of UAS for ISR missions offers a safe and efficient means of gathering crucial information while reducing the risks to crews. Recent incidents involving ISR aircraft highlight the need for this approach. In addition, UAS offer increased flexibility in hazardous environments and effective surveillance of the Arctic, where national and regional interests are at stake. By investing in these technologies, the United States and its allies can strengthen their defense capability while preserving the lives of their airmen.

Fly a jet fighter is the fighter jet experience specialist.