Definition
Electronic intelligence involves collecting and analyzing signals from electronic radar systems to learn adversaries’ plans, radar capabilities, and communication. Military organizations and intelligence agencies use this practice to ascertain a target’s capabilities.
How Electronic Intelligence Works
- Intercepting signals: ELINT is designed to detect signals emitted by radar or communication networks.
- Collecting signals: Experts use distinctive tools or systems, such as antennas and receivers, to gather and document electronic signals.
- Understanding signals: The experts then analyze the collected signals to learn their meaning and why they are being sent.
- Sorting signals: They then classify the signals based on various characteristics, such as their recurrence or signal patterns to determine the type of signals being received and its source.
- Getting intelligence: Experts analyze signals to identify sequence, cycle, or anything unusual to understand their capabilities, activities, and intentions.
- Disseminating and applying the information: The experts incorporate the inferences from ELINT into reports and share them with decision-makers, military organizations, and intelligence agencies for proper planning and decision-making.
Types of Electronic Intelligence
- TechELINT: This focuses on technical aspects like signal structure and emitter characteristics of systems such as radars and jammers, which are useful for enhancing electronic warfare.
- OpELINT: This type gathers operational patterns of specific systems to prepare battlefield strategies and threat assessments for military authorities.
- TELINT: This involves telemetry signals intelligence, providing data on foreign missiles and space systems.
