SIGINT (Signals Intelligence) is intelligence derived from electronic signals and systems used by foreign targets, such as communications systems, radars, and weapons systems.
According to the National Security Agency (NSA), SIGINT provides a vital window for our nation into foreign adversaries’ capabilities, actions, and intentions.
NSA’s SIGINT mission is specifically limited to gathering information about international terrorists and foreign powers, organizations, or persons.
NSA produces intelligence in response to formal requirements levied by those who have an official need for intelligence, including all departments of the Executive Branch of the United States Government.
Today, Signals Intelligence plays an important role in making electronic warfare (EW) possible. SIGINT is the interception of signals for the purpose of gathering intelligence. It is divided into three sub-disciplines:
- Communications Intelligence (COMINT) which is the interception of communication between people and groups
- Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) which is the intercepting of electronic signals which are not specifically used for communication
- Foreign Instrumentation Signals Intelligence (FISINT), which is the collection of signals created by the testing and use of foreign weapons systems.
As technology has advanced, so has the field of Signals Intelligence. The DoD now gathers Signals Intelligence through unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) like the Global Hawk and Reaper drones, which are equipped with powerful infrared sensors and cameras, as well as Light and Imaging Detection (LIDAR) and synthetic aperture RADAR systems to gather and transmit back valuable raw intelligence from the operational environment for analysis.
When raw SIGINT is captured, it must then be translated, interpreted or represented, as the case may be, into information which can then be analyzed and used for decision-making.
Want to learn more? Tonex offers Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Training Bootcamp | SIGINT Training Course, a 3-day program covering all aspects of Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) including Communications Intelligence (COMINT), Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) and Foreign Instrumentation Signals Intelligence (FISINT).
Advanced Network Characterization (ANC), Digital Land Mobile Communication (DLMC), 4G/5G, Wi-Fi, IoT, SATCOM, Radar, UHV/VHF/H, microwave, mmWave and optical signals utilizing the latest technologies and methodologies in the SIGINT field are discussed.
Tonex also offers seven more courses in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, C4ISR, including:
—Fundamentals of Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) Signals Certificate (4 days)
—Sensor and Data Fusion Training Bootcamp (3 days)
—Tactical Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance Training (2 days)
For more information, questions, comments, contact us.