UKRAINE: 3 QUESTIONS - 3 ANSWERS, PART 25: Electronic warfare?

Hauptmann Rudolf Reinprecht is a group commander and chief training officer for Electronic Warfare at the Institute "Cyber and Electronic Warfare" of the Führungsunterstützungsschule. Here he answers questions on the topics of communication and signals intelligence.

Statement from the Austrian Armed Forces Expert:

How does intercepting enemy radio communications or communication work in general? What countermeasures can be taken?

Intercepting or analyzing communication fundamentally involves two activities - analyzing the signal itself and analyzing the content. Signal analysis can reveal parameters such as the location and device type of the transmitter (location finding), hierarchical command structures (traffic relationships), and enemy behavior. Content analysis can reveal enemy plans or weaknesses, but this is hindered by language barriers or modern encryption.

There are various ways to complicate one's own reconnaissance efforts, which can be categorized into three types of protective measures: technical (encryption, modern transmission methods), operational (all activities of trained operators), and tactical (radio silence).

Up to what distances can signals intelligence intercept the enemy? Can transmitting stations be located?

The reconnaissance distances depend on a variety of factors, such as the transmitter's power, frequency used, or geography.

In general, it can be said that shortwave communication (HF) is potentially interceptable worldwide, while ultra-shortwave communication can be detected up to a depth of 50 to 100 kilometers (depending on power and geography). Any transmitter emitting a signal can be located. However, there are differences in the range and accuracy of locating.

What capabilities for signals intelligence does Austria possess?

Signals intelligence and its applications differ based on the levels to which they are assigned: strategic, operational, and tactical intelligence. In the field of tactical intelligence, Austria is establishing a comprehensive capability to support deployed forces, providing the local tactical commander with an accurate and up-to-date situational picture of potential parties to conflict to enhance the protection of its own forces.

AUSTRIAN ARMED FORCES on the Internet

UKRAINE: 3 Questions – 3 Answers

– UKRAINE: 3 QUESTIONS – 3 ANSWERS, PART 24: TACTICAL NUCLEAR WEAPONS?

– UKRAINE: 3 QUESTIONS – 3 ANSWERS, PART 23: MARIUPOL?

– UKRAINE: 3 QUESTIONS – 3 ANSWERS, PART 22: PHOSPHORUS BOMBS?

– UKRAINE: 3 QUESTIONS – 3 ANSWERS, PART 21: WAR AND LAW?

... (continuing with more links)

– UKRAINE: 3 QUESTIONS - 3 ANSWERS, PART 1: WHAT'S GOING ON?