Sensing The Threat

The report argues that computer vision—especially automated change detection and persistent object monitoring—is technologically mature but remains underused across U.S. intelligence and defense because of institutional, cultural, acquisition, data, and governance barriers. It warns that competitors such as China and Israel are integrating these capabilities more deeply into operational workflows, potentially gaining an advantage by detecting threats and making decisions faster than human-centric U.S. processes can manage. The report recommends that the United States move rapidly from pilots to operational deployment, adopt machine-first detection with humans retaining judgment and accountability, modernize acquisition and training infrastructure, expand edge and on-orbit processing, and establish clear leadership and doctrine to turn U.S. technological superiority into lasting operational advantage.