About this Unit
The National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) traces its origins to 1917, beginning as the Army Signal Corps' Foreign Data Section at McCook Field, Ohio. Through successive reorganizations and expansions during World War II and the Cold War, it evolved into the Foreign Technology Division and later the Air Force Intelligence Agency. In 2003, it was officially designated as NASIC, reflecting its broadened mission to analyze foreign air and space threats. Today, NASIC serves as the United States Air Force’s primary source for foreign air and space intelligence, providing critical support to national defense and operational planning.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) traces its heritage back to the Foreign Materiel Exploitation missions during World War II, when captured enemy aircraft were analyzed at Wright Field, Ohio.
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Evolution of Names: NASIC has gone through several name changes, including the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC), the Foreign Technology Division (FTD), and the National Air Intelligence Center (NAIC) before becoming NASIC in 2003.
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Location: NASIC is headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, making it one of the key intelligence organizations of the U.S. Air Force located in the Midwest.
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Analyzing Foreign Threats: NASIC is the primary source for foreign air and space threat analysis for the Department of Defense, providing assessments on adversary aircraft, missiles, space capabilities, and related technologies.
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Roswell Incident Investigation: ATIC (NASIC’s predecessor) was involved in the initial investigation of the 1947 Roswell incident, which later fueled UFO conspiracy theories.
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Cold War Missions: During the Cold War, NASIC and its predecessors analyzed Soviet MiGs and other captured or defected aircraft, providing crucial intelligence for the development of U.S. fighter jets.
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Ballistic Missile Tracking: NASIC was pivotal in the analysis of Soviet and foreign ballistic missile programs, influencing U.S. missile defense and arms control policies.
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Space Domain Intelligence: Today, NASIC’s mission includes space domain awareness, monitoring foreign satellite launches, anti-satellite weapons, and emerging space threats.
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Support to Operations: NASIC provides real-time intelligence support to combat operations, such as targeting data for airstrikes and force protection information for deployed units.
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Highly Skilled Workforce: NASIC employs thousands of military, civilian, and contractor personnel, including scientists, engineers, analysts, and linguists, making it one of the most technically diverse intelligence organizations in the world.
