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https://theconversation.com/we-tracked-secret-russian-missile-launchers-in-ukraine-using-public-satellite-data-230424>
"In the occupied far east of Ukraine, Russian forces are aiming waves of
missiles against Ukrainian civilian targets. Each of Russia’s state-of-the-art
missile launch systems costs more than US$100 million (A$150 million). They
allow Russia to launch attacks from safe positions many kilometres behind the
front lines.
The S-300 surface-to-air missile launcher is designed to avoid detection. Their
locations are closely guarded secrets. However, using publicly available
satellite images, we have detected telltale signs of the operation of these
weapons that give away their location.
This is just one example of why the strategic and tactical use of publicly
available data on the internet has become an increasing source of concern for
militaries. So-called “open-source intelligence” (or OSINT) has become a top
priority of intelligence agencies worldwide.
As more and more data is digitised and placed online, open-source intelligence
has become a powerful tool. Social media platforms, satellite images and leaked
data can all be sources of intelligence information.
We have seen significant use of open-source intelligence via social media in
the Ukraine conflict. The movements of soldiers and military vehicles have been
widely documented. Russian information operations attempting to falsely portray
Ukrainian forces as targeting civilians have also been exposed.
Open-source intelligence is a cheap and efficient way for analysts to inform
decision-making. In a conflict such as the Russia–Ukraine war, open-source
intelligence can act as a force multiplier."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
