Recent US Intelligence Gathering Operations
Operation Tusker Wing
Primary Operating Location: N/A
Assigned Units:
– N/A
Start Date: Proposed, Cancelled
End Date: N/A
Summary: Operation Tusker Wing was a proposed unmanned intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operation to provide support to counter-terrorism efforts in Northeast Africa, including efforts to counter the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). It is likely that such an operation would have been based out of Entebbe, Uganda, the primary operating location used in Operation Tusker Sand. The Tusker Wing proposal included broad mention of the potential use of both unmanned aerial vehicles and tethered aerostats.
On 17 May 2010, US Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced a presolicitation for Africa Command ISR Initiative Operations (Aii Ops) contract. The Tusker Wing mission was a component of this larger initiative. The proposed Tusker Wing team would consist of at least 11 personnel. The sensor package would include electro-optical and infrared full motion video components, laser range finder, as well as, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), Hyperspectral (HSI), Synthetic-Aperture Radar (SAR), and other sensors as appropriate. Data transfer and related systems compatible with existing networks would be provided, along with a ground control/intelligence fusion element. The system was to be mounted on unmanned aerostats and/or unmanned aerial vehicles, which would be contractor-owned/contractor operated. The US Navy’s Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) had conducted a study in FY09 on behalf of the Tusker Wing project to determine the best possible platforms for use in the system.
On 25 June 2010, the Aii Ops contract was delayed indefinitely. Tusker Wing was reportedly also canceled as a result.
For additional information, visit GlobalSecurity.org
America's Codebook: Africa 