ELECTRONIC INTELLIGENCE (ELINT)

Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) refers to intelligence collected using electronic sensors, primarily for military purposes. Unlike communications intelligence (COMINT), ELINT focuses on electronic signals that do not include speech or text.

In the military and other fields like business, “intelligence” refers to information that aids decision-making and provides a strategic advantage, often abbreviated as intel. ELINT specifically excludes personal communications and relies on sensors, which can be either active or passive, to collect data. The collected signals are analyzed and compared to a database of known signal types. If a match is found, the signal is identified and documented; if no match is found, the signal may be classified as new. Access to ELINT data is typically restricted and shared only on a strict need-to-know basis due to its sensitive nature.

The primary objective of ELINT is to assess a target’s capabilities—such as identifying radar locations—and to support threat intelligence efforts. Targets are often linked to foreign entities. By gathering ELINT, a military can gain critical insights into the intentions, capabilities, and activities of adversaries, enabling them to develop effective countermeasures.

Types of ELINT

TechELINT

TechELINT focuses on the technical elements of electronic intelligence, including the structure, operational modes, and emission characteristics of signals. It also examines the functions of emitters used in systems like radars, beacons, and jammers. This type of intelligence is primarily collected by nations to support electronic warfare efforts. By analyzing signal parameters and emitter data, militaries can enhance the design of radar systems and other electronic measures, including countermeasures.

· Focuses on the technical characteristics of electronic signals.

· Analyzes the signal structure, emission characteristics, modes of operation, and functions of emitters like radars, beacons, jammers, and navigational signals.

· Aims to understand the capabilities and limitations of enemy electronic systems.

OpELINT

Operational ELINT (OpELINT) centers on collecting data about the operational behavior of specific ELINT target systems. It is primarily utilized by military planners and tactical commanders to develop electronic orders of battle (EOBs) and conduct threat assessments for battlefield operations.

· Analyzes the operational use of electronic systems.

· Provides insights into enemy tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).

· Supports military commanders in making informed decisions on the battlefield.

TELINT

TELINT (also referred to as TelELINT or more commonly as Foreign Instrumentation Signals Intelligence, FISINT) focuses on intelligence gathered from telemetry signals. This type of intelligence offers valuable insights into a foreign nation’s missiles, space vehicles, and remote-controlled systems. By intercepting, processing, and analyzing TELINT, countries can obtain critical information about the performance and operation of these systems, enabling the development of countermeasures to address potential threats.

· Collects and analyzes telemetry data from foreign missiles, spacecraft, and remote-controlled systems.

· Provides intelligence on the performance and capabilities of enemy weapons systems.

References

https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/ELINT-electronic-intelligence