What does intelligence fusion refer to in targeting?

Intelligence fusion refers to the integration of different sources of intelligence to produce relevant analyses. This process involves combining and synthesizing data from various intelligence disciplines, such as human intelligence (HUMINT), signals intelligence (SIGINT), imagery intelligence (IMINT), and others. By merging these diverse pieces of information, analysts can create a more comprehensive understanding of the operational environment, enabling more informed decision-making and improved targeting processes.

The practice of intelligence fusion is crucial in military and security contexts, where timely and accurate information can significantly impact mission success. The collaborative approach also helps in identifying relationships and patterns that may not be apparent when sources are analyzed in isolation.

This method contrasts with the option of separating intelligence sources, which could obscure important connections and reduce the overall effectiveness of analysis. Prioritizing intelligence reports and creating standardized databases serve different purposes within the intelligence cycle, focusing on management and storage rather than the integration necessary for effective analysis and targeting.