eugene@amelia.nas.nasa.gov (Eugene N. Miya) (05/30/91)
From: eugene@amelia.nas.nasa.gov (Eugene N. Miya)
In the measure-counter-measure game it is interesting to note very
little analysis of Soviet intelligence gathering during the Gulf War
was published. Weapons capability was certainly noted, but the SU had
in essence a front-row seat to action. Additionally with their own
intelligence gathering lots of diplomatic exchange took place (like
capability) (hey, they read the Usenet with many other countries in the
world, and I am certainly aware (and willing to probe) of the netnews
gathering of our people).
The SU is certain capable of getting hands on Air-Land written
literature [unclassified, from the usual sources] as well as monitoring
European Theater exercises. In the early stages of the Gulf conflict
the SU had at least two destroyers in the Gulf (possibly overwhelmed
with the amount of data they had to collect) and probably numerous
trawlers. Wonder if they got soaked with oil as some of our ships
did? ;^) I am not aware, but there probably existed similar Red Sea
information gathering operations. The SU may or may not have had a
quicker inkling of when missions and actions started. They could
follow action "on high" and in some ways may know more than the
American public, but why tip their intelligence gathering hand?
The SU probably placed emphasis on gathering as much radar information
on F-117s as possible. They probably watched Diego Garcia and English
B-52 and F-111 missions. This probably just confirmed what they knew
about mission profiles. Cruise missile performance was probably of
great interest. They probably followed tanks across the desert from
recon satellites. They probably watched the function of American
battle ships from their own destroyers (and probably impressed).
Probably have reams of tape data on various communications systems. It
is difficult in the US to fully assess some of the events from this
perspective because it involves tipping the US hand. We gain a form of
"parallax" when we see what occasionally makes it here from British and
French press (as some news footage did), but you had to practically be
full time military to follow events.
American TV caught some Soviet public opinion, but little commentary
from Soviet military. Anyone can follow up, but it would be
interesting to here what other news was published of these events in
the SU.
--
eugene miya, NASA Ames Research Center, eugene@orville.nas.nasa.gov
Resident Cynic, Rock of Ages Home for Retired Hackers
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