ELINT

ELINT, short for electronic intelligence, is a discipline within signals intelligence (SIGINT) that focuses on the interception and analysis of non-communications electromagnetic signals. Its primary objects are radar systems and other electronic emitters such as navigation aids and telemetry links. Unlike COMINT, which targets the content of communications, ELINT concentrates on the signals themselves—their source, configuration, and behavior—to infer emitter identity, location, and capabilities.

Historically, ELINT emerged with the development of radar in the Second World War and expanded during the Cold War as air and space-based platforms collected large quantities of radar and electronic signals. Modern ELINT operations rely on airborne, shipboard, and ground sensors, as well as space-based assets, with automated processing to classify emitters, map electronic order of battle, and assess threat capabilities.

The ELINT process typically includes collection, signal characterization, emitter identification, geolocation, and dissemination. Analysts measure characteristics such as center frequency, pulse repetition frequency and pattern, pulse width, modulation, bandwidth, and antenna scanning. Geolocation may use triangulation, time-difference-of-arrival, or other techniques, often aided by prior emitter libraries and operational data.

ELINT is a component of SIGINT and is closely related to, but distinct from, COMINT. Its outputs support force planning, radar coverage modeling, EW planning, and threat assessment. Limitations include encrypted or rapidly changing emitters, emission masking, signal spoofing, and legal or policy constraints on interception.