The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is seeking innovative means of finding, tracking, and cataloging illicit activity in China’s backyard. On May 6, the agency published a commercial solutions opening for Project Aegir to deepen U.S. understanding of global activities, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
The ballooning demand for commercial analytics and intelligence tied to the Indo-Pacific is motivating the move. Improved maritime domain awareness is needed, and Vice Adm. Frank Whitworth believes the private sector holds the answers. The appetite for commercial imagery and analysis is growing due to recent conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars.
The Project Aegir solicitation underscores the commitment to staying ahead of evolving threats, according to Whitworth. The push for this project came from Adm. John Aquilino, the former head of INDOPACOM.
Outcomes of the Project Aegir could prove useful in hot spots like the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, where Houthi rebels have targeted commercial and military vessels. Companies interested in the opening have until May 24 to submit responses, with a potential $1.5 million pilot program to follow, as documented.
