The Historical Roots of Air Intelligence (AIRINT): Terminology Development Attempt

Abstract

Air intelligence began in the early days of aviation when militaries realized the strategic value of adversary air capacity data. Pioneering aerial reconnaissance and intelligence gathering during World War I established air intelligence as a unique field. This article describes air intelligence’s history, essential components, obstacles, and future directions. Examination of air surveillance systems, intelligence in military operations, and tradeoffs has provided vital insights into this critical field and a new term, AIRINT, is introduced.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

There are no competing interests to declare.

Notes

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Additional information

Notes on contributors

Bahar Aşcı

Bahar Aşcı is Associate Professor at the University of Turkish Aeronautical Association in Ankara, Turkey. Her research focus is industrial organization and economic history, strategic models, intelligence history, air safety, and security and systems. The author can be contacted at [email protected].