Tactical ISR solutions

Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) represent the most critical and rapidly developing capabilities in many modern armies. ISR also forms a key foundation of modernisation efforts planned for the 2030-2040s. Many significant changes in ISR capabilities concentrate at the tactical level and are either already under way or planned for deployment in the near future.

The ISR segment and related sectors have been among the most dynamic over the past decades. According to Global Market Insights, the global ISR market is valued at USD 42 billion and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6% from 2025 to 2034.^[1] In turn, the global market for military sensors alone was estimated at USD 12.5 billion in 2024, according to Research and Markets. By 2030, it is projected to reach USD 17.8 billion, reflecting a CAGR of 6.1%. A significant share of this market is represented by the land domain, which is projected to grow to USD 6.6 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 6.6% – almost as much as the airborne segment, which has a projected CAGR of 6.9%.^[2] The main drivers have been large-scale modernisation efforts undertaken by major armies worldwide, coupled with significant advances in technology and shifts in tactics.

This trend emerged in the 1990s with theoretical foundations largely shaped by such concepts as the system of systems and network-centric warfare, which later evolved into the modern multi-domain warfare doctrine and related approaches.^[3] At their core, these concepts envisioned a large-scale (often Army-wide) joint system in which sensors, commanders, and shooters across all domains (land, naval, air, cyber, space, and the electromagnetic spectrum) were linked by a network. This allowed them to receive real-time data, process it, and rapidly disseminate it, thereby accelerating the ‘sensor to shooter’ (STS) cycle.

In the 2000s, technological advances in fields such as microelectronics, miniaturisation, connectivity and networking, and robotics facilitated the transformation of theory into functioning ISR systems or their components, which were tested in the armed conflicts of the 2010s. As production and implementation costs dropped, more sensors of all types were deployed at every level – strategic, operational, and tactical – down to individual vehicles and soldiers. This expansion created better situational awareness but also introduced new challenges.

Sensors, shooters, and a lot of data

Tactical-level ISR systems operate in perhaps the most complex environment and, given the nature of tactical actions, present the most demanding requirements for both militaries and manufacturers.

• The greatest concentration of sensors is found at the tactical level. These include
• radars,
• optoelectronic systems,
• acoustic sensors,
• electronic and electromagnetic sensors,
• chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) sensors, among others.

All these tactical-level sensors generate vast amounts of raw data that must be processed, analysed, and disseminated at high speed. Speed is particularly critical for ISR at the tactical level, since it directly supports frontline commanders and units in real time on the battlefield. The information, therefore, must be disseminated with high precision so that tactical commanders receive the necessary data (for example, targeting information) in time and are not overwhelmed with excessive inputs.

In addition, data collected at other levels of command or from other domains may be relevant across all three levels, which effectively increases the volume of data that must be processed and disseminated. As suggested in the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Joint Doctrine Note issued by the UK Ministry of Defence, “ISR capabilities and processes are therefore best used entirely agnostic of operational domain or level of command.”^[4]

Many believe the solution lies in the development and broader implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies.

Tactical ISR: From AI-powered to hybrid

One of the most advanced tactical ISR systems today is the Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node (TITAN), developed by Palantir Technologies. TITAN is a next-generation tactical ISR ground station capable of collecting data from sensors deployed across space, high-altitude, aerial, and terrestrial layers, and rapidly processing it using AI and ML. The system provides intelligence support – such as situational awareness and accurate targeting data – to recipients at the tactical level.

According to the manufacturer, TITAN is designed to reduce sensor-to-shooter timelines while alleviating soldiers’ workload and cognitive burden.^{[5] [6]} TITAN will also absorb the functionality of four legacy systems currently used by the US Army:

1. the Advanced Miniaturized Data Acquisition System (AMDAS);
2. the Dissemination Vehicle (ADV);
3. the Advanced Remote Ground Terminal (RGT);
4. the Tactical Intelligence Ground Station (TGS).^[7]

This consolidation has the potential to reduce operational and administrative costs while providing greater system commonality. Another interesting capability mentioned by the manufacturer, and perhaps reflecting one of the US Army’s requirements, is TITAN’s ability to operate on the move.

In March 2024, a USD 178.4 million contract for the development and delivery of ten TITAN prototypes (five Advanced and five Basic variants) was awarded to Palantir Technologies. The first two TITAN systems were delivered to the US Army in March 2025, according to Defense News.^[8]

The TITAN system is considered a key enabler of the Army’s modernisation priorities in support of the Army Cross-Functional Teams. In the future, it is expected to complement the Distributed Common Ground System–Army (DCGS-A), which will remain the backbone of Army intelligence at the higher levels (division and corps), while TITAN will be deployed at the tactical level, partially replacing DCGS-A’s forward elements.^[9]

Israel is conducting research and development in the same direction, with one of the systems being ELTA’s ELS-8994 StarLight–a cloud-based solution powered by AI and ML. The system is designed to process vast amounts of unstructured data from multiple types of sensors – including SAR/GMTI radars, SIGINT, optical, video, and others – and transform it into actionable intelligence and insights for warfighters and commanders.^[10] In August 2023, Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI) Heron UAV, integrated with StarLight AI, was deployed for surveillance missions.^[11]

European countries largely follow the same trajectory in developing and integrating tactical ISR systems. France, for example, continues its large-scale Army modernisation programme, SCORPION, where enhancing situational awareness through the implementation of new technologies at the tactical level is considered one of the pillars of Army transformation vital to ‘retaining the initiative’.

One of the key components of the French Army’s SCORPION programme is the Scorpion Combat Information System (SICS), which replaces legacy command and control (C2) systems. While not identical in scope to the US Army’s TITAN, SICS likewise connects sensors, shooters, and commanders, enabling network-centric warfare at the tactical level. AI technology has been integrated into the Scorpion collaborative combat system and its planned future extension, TITAN 2040.^[12]

In parallel with large-scale programmes involving AI and ML, many smaller-scale or hybrid mission-tailored solutions are also being developed. While these solutions often incorporate components of a full-fledged tactical ISR system, they are not specifically designed as dedicated ISR tools.

 

An example is Rostec’s Planshet-M-IR artillery fire-control system (an improved next-generation version of a Planshet-A), which can receive battlefield data from various sensors – such as radars and UAVs – process it, and relay targeting information to artillery units or systems ranging from mortars to multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS). According to Rostec, an artillery unit commander can receive battlefield data in real time by using Planshet-M-IR in conjunction with reconnaissance UAVs, adjust fire, and exchange information with higher-level commanders via a secure satellite communications channel.^[13]

While designed for a specific mission, the Planshet-M-IR and other systems of similar scale and scope have the advantage of lower complexity in production and implementation, allowing for faster deployment. The Planshet-M-IR is currently in serial production, with at least two batches delivered to the Army.^{[14] [15]}

Alongside smaller, mission-tailored solutions, in 2024 the Russian defence industry began developing the ‘Svod’ system. This is a system designed to enhance situational awareness at the tactical level – a task highlighted as one of the top priorities by Russia’s Minister of Defence, Andrei Belousov, during a session of the Ministry of Defence Collegium on 29 August 2025. According to him, the ‘Svod’ system is scheduled for trial operational deployment between September and November 2025, after which it will be scaled across all Russian Army formations.^[16] Although no further details have been disclosed, the scale and pace of implementation suggest that Russia is placing particular emphasis on this programme, which may be designed as a large-scale system comparable in functionality to those fielded by the US Army.

Key Challenges

There is broad recognition that the new generation of tactical ISR solutions remain a top priority for any nation seeking to keep its army relevant in conflicts with peer or near-peer adversaries. At AUSA conference in October 2024, Secretary of the US Army, Christine Wormuth, emphasised that the Army needed to “see and sense more, farther, and more persistently at every echelon than the nation’s enemies” in order to prevail on the battlefield.^[17]

At the same time, the development, integration, and operational deployment of modern tactical ISR systems pose significant challenges. Budgetary and resource constraints, implementation difficulties, high risks from adversary actions across multiple domains, as well as data overload and processing bottlenecks are among the major issues.

Developing a full-fledged system that meets all the requirements of modern combat is both expensive and time-consuming, even for nations with the necessary technological and industrial capabilities. Many technologies, such as AI and ML, remain immature for military use, require extensive testing, and are still not widely available. At present, the majority of AI- and ML-powered tactical ISR systems remain in the prototyping stage and have seen only limited deployment.

Implementation is another challenging area. New generations of tactical ISR systems often have to operate alongside legacy platforms, which increases overall system complexity and drives up interoperability challenges, integration burdens, and maintenance costs.

From an operational standpoint, tactical ISR systems rely heavily on secure and stable communications. Yet, these systems and their components are among the most valuable targets at the tactical level, facing significant threats from electronic warfare, cyber-attacks, and kinetic strikes such as artillery or other fires. To mitigate these risks, they must be designed for survivability and resilience – affordable, replaceable, and distributed to avoid single points of failure – ensuring continuity of operations in contested environments.

Finally, tactical ISR systems, regardless of their scale, purpose, or technical complexity, will be at the forefront of changes driven by rapidly evolving technologies and tactics. This trend is expected to increase over time as these systems continue to proliferate.

Closing thoughts

Given the general direction in which ISR systems are evolving, as well as lessons learned from modern armed conflicts, a tactical ISR solution can be described as follows: scalable, command- and platform-agnostic, capable of collecting data from multiple types of sensors, and customisable to mission or end-user requirements, ideally incorporating AI and ML capabilities.

Countries possessing sovereign industrial capabilities to develop these systems may gain a significant competitive edge, while others may need to rely on partners or adopt less costly hybrid systems with only partial capabilities.

However, overreliance on data, systems, and infrastructure provided by foreign countries can pose significant security risks. For example, Ukraine depends heavily on satellite intelligence and communications systems of foreign origin, which, while enhancing operational capabilities, also creates vulnerabilities in the event of denial, disruption, or political restrictions.

This reliance could introduce operational limitations and interoperability challenges in future conflicts, highlighting the strategic importance of investing in sophisticated tactical ISR technologies.

Alexey Tarasov

Author: Alexey Tarasov is a land warfare expert specialising in Europe, Russia, and armoured vehicles. He has contributed to ESD, Shephard News, along with other publications, and has authored several books.

[1] Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) Market Size – By Solution, By Application, By Platform, By End Use and Forecast, 2025 – 2034. Published: December 2024 – https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance-market

[2] Military Sensors – Global Strategic Business Report. August 2025 – https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/5303165/military-sensors-global-strategic-business#src-pos-5

[3] Copernicus … Forward C41 for the 21st Century. 1 Sep 1995 – https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/ADA390355

[4] Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Joint Doctrine Note 1/23 (JDN 1/23), January 2023. UK Ministry of Defence (MOD)

[5] TITAN – Official Manufacturer’s Page – https://www.palantir.com/offerings/defense/titan/

[6] Army Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node (TITAN) Ground Station Prototype – Award – 6 March 2024 – https://peoiews.army.mil/2024/03/06/army-tactical-intelligence-targeting-access-node-titan-ground-station-prototype-award

[7] TITAN Brings Together Systems For Next Generation Intelligence Capabilities. 27 September 2021 – https://peoiews.army.mil/2021/09/27/titan-brings-together-systems-for-next-generation-intelligence-capabilities/

[8] Palantir delivers first two next-gen targeting systems to Army. 7 March 2025 – https://www.defensenews.com/land/2025/03/07/palantir-delivers-first-2-next-gen-targeting-systems-to-army/

[9] Army RDT&E FY2025 Justification Docs (0604037A). March 2024 – https://gemini-custom-report.s3.amazonaws.com/2025/RDTE_ARMY_0604037A.pdf

[10] ELS-8994 StarLight Smart Multi-INT Analysis Platform – https://www.iai.co.il/p/els-8994-starlight

[11] ‘Powerful’ drones guarding Israeli gas fields against threats. 1 August 2023 – https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/technology-science/1690900217-always-watching-learning-israel-s-autonomous-drones-patrolling-offshore-threats

[12] Building The Combat Power Of Tomorrow’s Air-Land Battle Forces. Centre media du ministère des Armées.

[13] Новинки Ростеха на форуме «Армия-2022». 15 August 2022 – https://rostec.ru/media/news/novinki-rostekha-na-forume-armiya-2022/?sphrase_id=5598080#middle

[14] «Высокоточные комплексы» поставили в войска усовершенствованные «Планшет-М-ИР» – 11 June 2025 – https://rostec.ru/media/news/vysokotochnye-kompleksy-postavili-v-voyska-usovershenstvovannye-planshet-m-ir/?sphrase_id=5598080#start

[15] Ростех поставил Минобороны России партию машин управления огнем артиллерии «Планшет-М-ИР» – 5 September 2025 – https://rostec.ru/media/news/rostekh-postavil-minoborony-rossii-partiyu-mashin-upravleniya-ognem-artillerii-planshet-m-ir/?sphrase_id=5598080#start

[16] Минобороны осенью протестирует систему «Свод». 29 August 2025 – https://www.rbc.ru/rbcfreenews/68b1e4ad9a79471516a5e144?ysclid=mfaw5ywgnw913544498

[17] The Army Takes an Extended View to 2040. Kimberly Underwood. 10 October 2022 – https://www.afcea.org/signal-media/army-takes-extended-view-2040