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What You Need to Know About Signals Intelligence

Modern signals intelligence has indeed changed the conventional warfare into a more advanced version. The long process and constant development are the leading causes why today’s warfare has evolved into its more sophisticated version, of course, with the help of the current relevant software. As it is a vital thing to highlight the essence of the entire discussion, note that this modern technology aims to help fighters, soldiers, and decision-makers with their signals intelligence capabilities. The next subject to discuss is several aspects relevant to what signals intelligence is and how it relates to communication intelligence or comint. Below are the detailed explanations for you.

The Definition

a soldier holding a weaponThe term signals intelligence refers to the process of collecting signals from the surrounding areas to obtain intelligence. As a more sophisticated form of communication, the process does not only include conventional message exchange, but it also includes electronic interception, detecting non-communication electronic signals, and understanding its meaning. This subject is divided into three sub-disciplines that are seemingly distinct but hold close connections. These sub-disciplines include communication intelligence, electronic intelligence, and foreign instrumentation signals intelligence.

Each of the above disciplines covers different aspects, and they all aim to achieve higher-level and comprehensive intelligence. The first discipline seems to be the most commonly known field for people in general. It deals a lot with conventional communication, such as radio signals, phone calls, and emails. The National Security Agency is often responsible for these activities. The second discipline, on the other hand, deals with an electronic signal interception and serves as a confidential form of communication. The last discipline covers the area of signal detection.

The First Discovery

Talking about these modern advancements in the field of warfare and communication means digging deep into its history. The signals intelligence was first discovered when the British and Japanese military found out about the methods of intercepting the Russian’s radio communication. The discovery led to further proactive steps initiated by the army as they had discovered what the enemy’s intentions were. As a result, they could prevent further attacks only based on the signals they intercepted. The discovery then became a significant topic in scientific research related to warfare, and the developments continued until today.

Modern Signals Intelligence

With today’s massive technological developments, we have now reached an era where the technology of warfare has become one of the most important technological breakthroughs this century. With the rise of smartphones and the Internet, intercepting and monitoring digital signals no longer involves complicated steps.…