// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
FISINT
FISINT is the process of gathering intelligence by intercepting and analyzing electronic signals from foreign equipment during testing and operation. This often includes telemetry data from things like missile tests or satellite launches to understand their capabilities.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Foreign Instrumentation Signals Intelligence (FISINT) is a sub-discipline of Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) involving the collection, analysis, and processing of electromagnetic emissions from foreign non-communications instrumentation. Key sources include telemetry, beaconing, and video data links from assets such as missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and space systems to assess their performance, design, and capabilities.
BACKGROUND
Foreign instrumentation signals intelligence, FISINT (Foreign Instrumentation Signature INTelligence) is intelligence from the interception of foreign electromagnetic emissions associated with the testing and operational deployment of foreign aerospace, surface, and subsurface systems. Since it deals with signals that have communicational content, it is a subset of Communications Intelligence (COMINT), which, in turn, is a subset of SIGINT. Unlike general COMINT signals, the content of FISINT signals is not in regular human language, but rather in machine to machine (instrumentation) language or in a combination of regular human language and instrumentation language. FISINT is also considered as a subset of MASINT (measurement and signature intelligence).
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Foreign Instrumentation Signals Intelligence
- TELINT
- Telemetry Intelligence
- PROFORMA
USAGE NOTE
FISINT is a highly specific intelligence category, distinct from ELINT, as it focuses on the performance data a machine sends about itself, not the signals it uses for its primary function like radar.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to FISINT.
The lead U.S. government agency for signals intelligence (SIGINT), which includes FISINT. The NSA is responsible for the collection, processing, and analysis of foreign communications and instrumentation signals for intelligence and counterintelligence purposes.
A U.S. government agency responsible for designing, building, launching, and maintaining America's intelligence satellites. Many of these satellite systems are specifically designed for collecting signals intelligence, including foreign instrumentation signals.
A multinational aerospace and defense conglomerate that develops advanced sensors, ground processing stations, and data analytics software. Their technologies are integral to the end-to-end process of collecting, processing, and interpreting FISINT data.
A major aerospace and defense contractor that designs and builds advanced satellite systems used for signals intelligence collection. The company develops platforms and payloads capable of intercepting and relaying foreign telemetry and other instrumentation signals.
A leading global security company that develops critical space-based systems, including satellites and payloads for SIGINT missions. They provide the technology used to detect, identify, and analyze foreign instrumentation signals from space.
A global aerospace and defense technology company that provides a wide range of solutions for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). They develop specialized receivers, antennas, and signal processing systems used to capture and analyze complex foreign signals.
A global defense, aerospace, and security company that provides a broad portfolio of electronic warfare and signals intelligence products. They develop systems for detecting and analyzing foreign radar, telemetry, and other electronic emissions.
A business unit of General Dynamics that specializes in C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance). They develop and integrate ground systems, signal processors, and antennas for collecting and analyzing intelligence data, including FISINT.
A science and technology company that provides extensive services and solutions to the U.S. intelligence community. Leidos develops and integrates software for processing and analyzing massive volumes of SIGINT data, including the specialized data sets associated with FISINT.