Within NASIC
Inside NASIC's Exploitation Team
NASIC's Foreign Materiel Exploitation Squadron connects engineers, scientists and contractors around foreign aerospace and electronic systems.
On this page
- Who handles foreign materiel at NASIC
- Why the work needs many specialties
- How squadron output reaches military users
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Introduction
Within the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC), the Foreign Materiel Exploitation (FME) Squadron is often associated with reverse engineering, but its actual work is broader and more systematic. Public descriptions show that the squadron examines foreign aerospace, space and military electronic systems to determine what they can do, how they are built, how they might be used in combat, and where their limitations lie. Rather than focusing on a single discipline, the squadron combines engineering, scientific analysis, intelligence production and technical testing to turn captured or otherwise acquired foreign hardware into actionable knowledge for military planners, operators and acquisition programmes.[NASIC]nasic.af.milNASICAcquire, Assess, ExploitNovember 21, 2016 — 21 Nov 2016 — The mission's goal is to assure that United States forces avoid technological surprise and can counter…
The key point is that the squadron studies real systems whenever possible. A radar, missile component, aircraft subsystem, electronic warfare device or space-related technology can reveal capabilities that cannot be reliably inferred from photographs, public specifications or intelligence estimates alone. The squadron’s role is therefore not simply to take equipment apart, but to generate a detailed understanding of foreign military technology and deliver that understanding to decision-makers.[NASIC]nasic.af.milNASICAcquire, Assess, ExploitNovember 21, 2016 — 21 Nov 2016 — The mission's goal is to assure that United States forces avoid technological surprise and can counter…
Who Handles Foreign Materiel at NASIC
Public accounts describe the FME Squadron as a multidisciplinary organisation rather than a narrowly specialised engineering shop. NASIC has stated that foreign materiel is handed to a dedicated Foreign Materiel Exploitation Squadron composed of engineers, scientists, Air Force personnel and contractors representing more than ten technical specialities. Squadron leaders have emphasised that many positions are highly specialised and require personnel capable of independent technical analysis.[DVIDS]dvidshub.netacquire assess exploit nasic reverse engineers advantage pilots and leadersaircraft part, NASIC hands off the “FM” (foreign materiel) to their 87-member Foreign Materiel Exploitation Squadron. This group of exper…
This structure reflects the variety of systems under examination. A modern foreign weapon may contain:
- Aeronautical engineering features.
- Advanced electronics and microelectronics.
- Radar and radio-frequency components.
- Embedded software and digital control systems.
- Sensors and electro-optical devices.
- Materials and manufacturing techniques.
- Communications and networking equipment.
No single specialist can evaluate all of these areas. As a result, exploitation projects typically involve teams with different technical backgrounds who combine their findings into a unified intelligence assessment.[DVIDS]dvidshub.netacquire assess exploit nasic reverse engineers advantage pilots and leadersaircraft part, NASIC hands off the “FM” (foreign materiel) to their 87-member Foreign Materiel Exploitation Squadron. This group of exper…
What the Squadron Actually Examines
The public record consistently describes the squadron’s targets as foreign air, space and cyberspace-related military systems. That category is much broader than complete aircraft or missiles. Analysts may receive an entire platform, a subsystem, a recovered component, technical documentation or other pieces of materiel that reveal how a foreign capability works.[NASIC]nasic.af.milnasic opens new fme facilityNASIC opens new FME facility27 Oct 2017 — 20, 2017. Foreign materiel exploitation is one of the many intelligence production mission…
Aerospace Systems and Aircraft Components
Aircraft-related exploitation remains one of the most visible historical missions. NASIC traces part of its heritage to post-Second World War efforts that brought captured aircraft and equipment to Wright Field for study. Modern exploitation can involve aircraft structures, propulsion-related components, sensors, avionics and mission systems. The objective is to understand performance characteristics, design decisions and operational strengths or weaknesses.[NASIC]nasic.af.milnasic opens new fme facilityNASIC opens new FME facility27 Oct 2017 — 20, 2017. Foreign materiel exploitation is one of the many intelligence production mission…
A revealing public example comes from NASIC’s discussion of the acquired MiG-29 fleet from Moldova. The centre later noted that years of study employed its foreign materiel exploitation resources before one aircraft was placed on display. The significance was not the airframe itself but the opportunity to examine systems and technologies directly rather than relying solely on intelligence reporting.[Wikipedia]WikipediaTonopah Test Range AirportTonopah Test Range Airport
Missiles, Sensors and Electronic Systems
The squadron’s work extends beyond aircraft to the electronic systems that increasingly determine combat effectiveness. Public descriptions of the FME mission refer specifically to foreign aerospace and electronic systems, indicating that analysts examine the sensors, guidance technologies, communications equipment and supporting electronics embedded within larger military platforms.[GlobeNewswire]globenewswire.comGlobe Newswire Mac B Awarded $92M Foreign Materiel Exploitation Contractwarfighters maintain their competitive edge by enabling the execution of timely exploitation of foreign…Read more…
For intelligence purposes, a radar component or seeker assembly may be as valuable as a complete weapon. Technical examination can reveal operating frequencies, signal-processing approaches, manufacturing quality, component sourcing and potential vulnerabilities. Such findings help analysts understand how an adversary’s systems are likely to perform in real-world conditions.[Air Force Histories]usafunithistory.comNATIONAL AIR AND SPACE INTELLIGENCE CENTERAir Force HistoriesNATIONAL AIR AND SPACE INTELLIGENCE CENTER10 Oct 2025 — The center uses a foreign materiel exploitation capability tha…
Space and Cyberspace-Related Technology
NASIC’s public statements repeatedly emphasise that exploitation covers air, space and cyberspace-related military systems. This means the squadron’s focus is not restricted to traditional aircraft hardware. Space-supporting technologies, communications systems, digital electronics and cyber-relevant hardware may all fall within the mission when they contribute to foreign military capabilities.[NASIC]nasic.af.milnasic opens new fme facilityNASIC opens new FME facility27 Oct 2017 — 20, 2017. Foreign materiel exploitation is one of the many intelligence production mission…
The goal is to build an integrated understanding of how modern military systems function across multiple domains rather than analysing isolated pieces of equipment in isolation.[Air Force Histories]usafunithistory.comNATIONAL AIR AND SPACE INTELLIGENCE CENTERAir Force HistoriesNATIONAL AIR AND SPACE INTELLIGENCE CENTER10 Oct 2025 — The center uses a foreign materiel exploitation capability tha…
Why the Work Needs Many Specialties
Foreign materiel exploitation is frequently portrayed as “reverse engineering,” but public descriptions suggest a broader workflow. Acquired equipment is assessed, measured, tested and compared against existing intelligence. Engineers may examine physical construction, scientists may analyse materials and performance characteristics, while intelligence specialists connect technical findings to operational questions.[NASIC]nasic.af.milNASICAcquire, Assess, ExploitNovember 21, 2016 — 21 Nov 2016 — The mission's goal is to assure that United States forces avoid technological surprise and can counter…
NASIC has highlighted the use of advanced engineering techniques, sophisticated data processing, modelling and simulation tools, and collaboration across the intelligence community. This combination allows analysts to move from a physical object to an understanding of how that object affects military capability.[Air Force Histories]usafunithistory.comNATIONAL AIR AND SPACE INTELLIGENCE CENTERAir Force HistoriesNATIONAL AIR AND SPACE INTELLIGENCE CENTER10 Oct 2025 — The center uses a foreign materiel exploitation capability tha…
The distinction matters because the squadron is not primarily trying to manufacture copies of foreign equipment. Instead, it seeks answers to practical intelligence questions:
- How capable is the system?
- What technologies enable that capability?
- What limitations are built into the design?
- How should U.S. forces train against it?
- How should future U.S. systems account for it?
Those questions require expertise that spans engineering, intelligence analysis, testing and operational assessment.[NASIC]nasic.af.milNASICAcquire, Assess, ExploitNovember 21, 2016 — 21 Nov 2016 — The mission's goal is to assure that United States forces avoid technological surprise and can counter…
How Squadron Output Reaches Military Users
The final product of exploitation is intelligence, not dismantled hardware. Historical Department of Defense reviews of foreign materiel exploitation programmes show that exploitation results are disseminated to communities responsible for testing, training, modelling, simulation, acquisition and operational tactics.[U.S. Department of War]media.defense.govDepartment of WarUse of Foreign Materiel Exploitation Results8 Oct 1997 — Specifically, we reviewed how the Military Departments used for…
NASIC’s own descriptions similarly emphasise support to warfighters, acquisition organisations and policymakers. Once technical findings are produced, they are incorporated into reports, threat assessments, modelling efforts and other intelligence products used throughout the defence establishment.[Air Force Histories]usafunithistory.comNATIONAL AIR AND SPACE INTELLIGENCE CENTERAir Force HistoriesNATIONAL AIR AND SPACE INTELLIGENCE CENTER10 Oct 2025 — The center uses a foreign materiel exploitation capability tha…
This makes the FME Squadron a bridge between captured technology and military decision-making. Its value lies not simply in examining foreign hardware, but in converting physical systems into knowledge that influences procurement choices, operational planning, threat assessments and preparations for future conflicts.[Air Force Histories]usafunithistory.comNATIONAL AIR AND SPACE INTELLIGENCE CENTERAir Force HistoriesNATIONAL AIR AND SPACE INTELLIGENCE CENTER10 Oct 2025 — The center uses a foreign materiel exploitation capability tha…
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Endnotes
1.
Source: nasic.af.mil
Title: NASICAcquire, Assess, Exploit
Link:https://www.nasic.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1010245/acquire-assess-exploit/
Source snippet
November 21, 2016 — 21 Nov 2016 — The mission's goal is to assure that United States forces avoid technological surprise and can counter...
Published: November 21, 2016
2.
Source: Wikipedia
Title: Tonopah Test Range Airport
Link:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonopah_Test_Range_Airport
3.
Source: globenewswire.com
Title: Globe Newswire Mac B Awarded $92M Foreign Materiel Exploitation Contract
Link:https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/09/24/1575122/16222/en/macb-awarded-92m-foreign-materiel-exploitation-contract-for-nasic.html
Source snippet
warfighters maintain their competitive edge by enabling the execution of timely exploitation of foreign...Read more...
4.
Source: media.defense.gov
Link:https://media.defense.gov/1997/Oct/08/2001715489/-1/-1/1/98-005.pdf
Source snippet
Department of WarUse of Foreign Materiel Exploitation Results8 Oct 1997 — Specifically, we reviewed how the Military Departments used for...
5.
Source: Wikipedia
Title: National Air and Space Intelligence Center
Link:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Air_and_Space_Intelligence_Center
6.
Source: youtube.com
Title: U.S. Reverse Engineers New GBU-57 Using ATACMS Missile Tech
Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D5Q5u_spUc
Source snippet
NASIC Briefing...
7.
Source: youtube.com
Title: NASIC Briefing
Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKH8ESH7GFg
8.
Source: nasic.af.mil
Title: nasic opens new fme facility
Link:https://www.nasic.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1356030/nasic-opens-new-fme-facility/
Source snippet
NASIC opens new FME facility27 Oct 2017 — 20, 2017. Foreign materiel exploitation is one of the many intelligence production mission...
9.
Source: usafunithistory.com
Title: NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE INTELLIGENCE CENTER
Link:https://usafunithistory.com/PDF/F-S/NATIONAL%20AIR%20AND%20SPACE%20INTELLIGENCE%20CENTER.pdf
Source snippet
Air Force HistoriesNATIONAL AIR AND SPACE INTELLIGENCE CENTER10 Oct 2025 — The center uses a foreign materiel exploitation capability tha...
10.
Source: dvidshub.net
Title: acquire assess exploit nasic reverse engineers advantage pilots and leaders
Link:https://www.dvidshub.net/news/216127/acquire-assess-exploit-nasic-reverse-engineers-advantage-pilots-and-leaders
Source snippet
aircraft part, NASIC hands off the “FM” (foreign materiel) to their 87-member Foreign Materiel Exploitation Squadron. This group of exper...
11.
Source: nasic.af.mil
Link:https://www.nasic.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2001834427/
Source snippet
opens new FME facilityThe National Air and Space Intelligence Center held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the new foreign materiel...
12.
Source: nasic.af.mil
Link:https://www.nasic.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2001834428/
Source snippet
opens new FME facility... new foreign materiel exploitation facility here, Oct. 20, 2017. Foreign materiel exploitation is one of the man...
13.
Source: nasic.af.mil
Title: mil News
Link:https://www.nasic.af.mil/News/Tag/102199/fme/
Source snippet
opening of a new foreign materiel exploitation facility Oct. 20, 2017.Foreign materiel exploitation is one of the many intelligence...Re...
Additional References
14.
Source: greydynamics.com
Link:https://greydynamics.com/fmep-us-foreign-material-exploitation-programs/
Source snippet
FMEP: US Foreign Material Exploitation ProgramsUS Foreign Material Exploitation Programs (FMEPs) covertly and overtly acquire and analyse...
15.
Source: bits.de
Link:https://www.bits.de/NRANEU/others/amd-us-archive/fm2-0fd%2809%29.pdf
Source snippet
fm 2-0 intelligenceThe Joint Captured Materiel Exploitation Center (JCMEC) assists in management of... acquisition (FMA) and foreign mat...
16.
Source: ftpmirror.your.org
Link:https://ftpmirror.your.org/pub/wikimedia/images/wikipedia/en/7/73/NASIC_history.pdf
Source snippet
centerNASIC assesses current and projected foreign forces, threat, and weapon system capabilities and employment, and evaluates evolving...
17.
Source: twz.com
Title: aliens or not secret crash retrieval programs are a very real thing
Link:https://www.twz.com/aliens-or-not-secret-crash-retrieval-programs-are-a-very-real-thing
Source snippet
Aliens Or Not, Secret Crash Retrieval Programs Are A Very...15 Jun 2023 — Clandestine programs race to pluck foreign aircraft, missiles...
18.
Source: highergov.com
Link:https://www.highergov.com/contract-opportunity/foreign-material-exploitation-tool-development-fed-rfq1491869-o-1cdc6/
Source snippet
rogram, which involves the timely exploitation of foreign aerospace and...Read more...
19.
Source: facebook.com
Link:https://www.facebook.com/groups/426204617819187/posts/2188438838262414/
Source snippet
ble confirmation of the outcome from the rumours coming out of India earlier...
20.
Source: reddit.com
Link:https://www.reddit.com/r/area51/comments/1k8xa8m/did_the_foreign_materiel_exploitation_squadron/
Source snippet
nd do you think they recovered any UAPs or UFOs?Read more...
21.
Source: nsarchive.gwu.edu
Title: National Security Archive The U.S
Link:https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/intelligence/2018-01-31/scavenging-intelligence-us-governments-secret-search-foreign-objects-during-cold-war
Source snippet
Government's Secret Search for Foreign Objects...31 Jan 2018 — Foreign material exploitation - the overt or covert acquisition and analy...
22.
Source: youtube.com
Title: Aviation Historian Peter Merlin talks about the Russian Mi Gs at AREA 51
Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t79ndKspdvQ
Source snippet
LDM #360: Reverse engineering of a Russian missile electronic board #1...
23.
Source: governmentattic.org
Title: DIAstyleManualIntelProd 2016
Link:https://www.governmentattic.org/23docs/DIAstyleManualIntelProd_2016.pdf
Source snippet
FMF. Foreign Military Financing ft/s foot (feet) per second. FMLN. Farabundo Marti National. FTX.Read more...
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