SIGINT

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

SIGINT (Signals Intelligence) is a critical intelligence discipline involving the interception, collection, and analysis of electronic signals, including communications intelligence (COMINT) from human speech and text, and electronic intelligence (ELINT) from non-communications emissions like radar, to derive actionable intelligence for national security and military operations.

BACKGROUND

Signals intelligence (SIGINT) is the act and field of intelligence-gathering by interception of signals, whether communications between people or from electronic signals not directly used in communication. As classified and sensitive information is usually encrypted, signals intelligence may necessarily involve cryptanalysis. Traffic analysis—the study of who is signaling to whom and in what quantity—is also used to integrate information, and it may complement cryptanalysis.

SYNONYMS & ALIASES

• Signals Intelligence
• COMINT
• ELINT
• signal interception
• electronic surveillance
• eavesdropping

USAGE NOTE

SIGINT is a cornerstone of modern intelligence gathering, providing crucial insights into adversaries' capabilities, intentions, and movements.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to SIGINT.

• National Security Agency (NSA)

  The NSA is a U.S. intelligence agency responsible for global monitoring, collection, and processing of information and data for foreign intelligence and counterintelligence purposes, specializing in signals intelligence (SIGINT).

• Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ)

  GCHQ is an intelligence and security organization responsible for providing signals intelligence (SIGINT) and information assurance to the UK government and armed forces.

• RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies)

  RTX develops advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems, including sophisticated SIGINT solutions for air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains for defense and intelligence customers.

• Lockheed Martin

  Lockheed Martin provides a broad range of SIGINT capabilities, including airborne, ground, and space-based systems, as well as data processing and analysis tools for intelligence gathering.

• Northrop Grumman

  Northrop Grumman delivers advanced SIGINT systems and technologies, including full-spectrum sensing, processing, exploitation, and dissemination capabilities for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.

• L3Harris Technologies

  L3Harris offers comprehensive SIGINT solutions, including receivers, processors, and antennas for various platforms, along with advanced analytics for critical intelligence gathering.

• BAE Systems

  BAE Systems develops and integrates advanced SIGINT technologies and platforms, providing solutions for intelligence collection, analysis, and exploitation across multiple domains for global defense and security clients.

• General Dynamics Mission Systems

  General Dynamics Mission Systems provides secure communications, computing, and intelligence systems, including robust SIGINT capabilities for military and intelligence communities.