Commanding the spectrum:
Next-generation COMINT for the modern battlespace

By Wayne Vella, Accounts Manager and Applications Engineer at TCI, part of SPX Communication Technologies

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The modern battlespace is defined by information dominance, where every operator depends on secure access to the electromagnetic spectrum. But that spectrum is increasingly congested and contested, from state adversaries deploying advanced electronic warfare (EW) systems to non-state actors using cheap, rapidly deployable communications and drones.

Against this backdrop, the ability to understand, exploit, and dominate the spectrum is central to operational success. Communications Intelligence (COMINT) plays a vital role in identifying, detecting, tracking and analysing radio-frequency signals across complex, dynamic environments. It has emerged as a force multiplier, underpinning modern strategies across air, land, maritime, space and cyberspace.

Achieving signal clarity, however, requires receivers that are faster, more sensitive and more adaptable than ever before.

The changing EW landscape

The electronic battlespace is more complex than ever, with the proliferation of Software-Defined Radios (SDRs), uncrewed systems and low-cost transmitters. Even the most basic insurgent needs to communicate via phone, handheld radio, or an improvised network. To win, modern forces must detect and interpret every signal, even in spectrum-denied conditions.

Traditional wideband receivers, while capable, often struggled to balance bandwidth, sensitivity and agility. Monitoring a broader section of the spectrum could mean losing fine detail or responsiveness, while narrowing focus can improve accuracy, but increases the risk of missing threats.

The pace of modern conflict means that operations need flexibility to switch between supporting counter-terrorism and large-scale frontline operations. Legacy COMINT systems, however, often need to be fully reconfigured to adapt to shifting mission requirements from intelligence gathering to tactical support roles, resulting in lost time and resources.

Meeting the challenge: The 955 and 957 RF COMINT collection systems

SPX Communication Technologies has recently launched its 955 and 957 to meet these challenges. Engineered for defence, intelligence and security missions, they deliver continuous real-time signal collection to support COMINT operations and enable total situational awareness.

At the core of both systems is the ability to capture, process and act on signals faster and more precisely than ever. The 955 and 957 form a next-generation family of complete systems, including radio, antenna and advanced software for independent and networked COMINT operations. They have been designed to give forces the tactical edge, whether deployed as standalone units, vehicle-mounted systems, or networked assets in complex, multi-sensor operations.

Bandwidth without blind spots

One of the key advantages of the 955 and 957 series is their ability to monitor a wide portion of the spectrum, up to 80 MHz. In effect, operators can simultaneously listen to a broader section of the electromagnetic environment, identifying signals of interest even amid dense or noisy conditions.

When needed, the receiver can narrow its focus, homing in on specific frequencies or emitters to extract fine-grain intelligence. This level of control allows users to balance coverage and precision and, in practice, means scanning broadly for situational awareness and rapidly focusing on specific targets.

Look-back recording

A look-back recorder enables teams to review past RF activity. Looking at immediate threat warnings, teams don't know what they know until they know it. That means, if a signal becomes relevant after the fact because additional information or context comes to light, operators can rewind, or go back in time, up to 72 hours. They can find out what a signal was doing, if it was moving, where it was, and how long it had been in the battlespace. Analysis of historical data helps teams build a more complete picture, fill gaps, understand history, assess patterns and extract additional intelligence.

Beyond the 72-hour look-back window, operators also have access to a longer-term database that preserves data and signal information. While content demodulation requires the 72-hour window, teams can still retrieve signal details and patterns days and weeks later to support investigations and mission planning.

Scale, flexibility and mission agility

Pre-loaded mission profiles allow operators to switch roles instantly, from monitoring insurgent networks one moment, then tracking conventional military formations the next.

This agility reflects the realities of contemporary conflict. In Ukraine and elsewhere, conventional battles coexist with irregular tactics, special forces incursions and cyber operations. Situational awareness and flexibility are essential.

Centralized and decentralized command and control

The 955 and 957 enable both decentralized and centralized operations. The intuitive Blackbird interface is straightforward to use, reducing training overhead. This allows more junior personnel to become proficient in its use more quickly, immediately expanding the pool of available operators. That means teams no longer need dedicated, highly trained specialists to manage large amounts of equipment. Instead, frontline teams can operate independently, analyzing field signals in just a few clicks.

Alternatively, teams can choose to push data back to command centers where analysts maintain an overview across potentially multiple sites. The system has been designed to work on very low-latency bandwidth, to ensure continued operations with minimal connectivity.

Multiple users can access the same data set concurrently, each focusing on different objectives or regions of interest.

Hybrid geolocation

The 955 and 957 employ hybrid geolocation to detect the origin of each signal. The technology integrates two different techniques that combine rapid angle-of-arrival detection with more precise methods for refining target location with fewer assets. Operators can use fast geolocation to identify likely emitters, then apply more detailed analysis as needed, all within the same system.

Integration and compatibility

The systems are backwards compatible with existing antennas and infrastructure, regardless of whether they are from SPX Communication Technologies. Defence teams can upgrade processing units while retaining proven hardware already deployed in vehicles, fixed installations or portable kits. This approach extends capability without requiring complete system replacement, saving vital budget.

In addition, the new 955 and 957 can be integrated into SPX Communication Technologies' BLACKTALON counter-UAS system. This combination firstly allows defence teams to understand what's in the air, where it came from, and who's controlling it, all through RF emissions, and then use BLACKTALON to neutralise the threat.

It effectively jams every combination of GNSS, command, control and telemetry signals used by both commercial and military drones. This ensures a decisive advantage in countering drone threats while simultaneously safeguarding friendly RF signals from unintended inhibition.

BLACKTALON empowers defence and security forces to maintain airspace dominance and protect against threats from the fast-changing UAS threat landscape.

Commanding the spectrum

Today, electronic warfare is central to every domain of defence. Spectrum dominance now determines who controls the tempo of operations. The 955 and 957 give defence teams faster detection, deeper insight and more decisive action.

The ability to sense, understand and dominate the electromagnetic spectrum defines mission success. The 955 and 957 deliver that capability, enabling modern stay ahead in the battlespace.

Find out how SPX Communication Technologies can support your missions.

For more information please visit:
https://www.tcibr.com/