Next-Generation Electronic Warfare Equipment Equipped with Artificial Intelligence

[Monthly Defense Times Editor-in-Chief An Seung-beom] Our Air Force operates platforms equipped with ELINT systems and surveillance reconnaissance aerial assets operating COMINT systems. We are preparing an acquisition project to equip the Korean Stand Off Jammer (KSOJ) system with new COMINT and ELINT system integrated operation capabilities.

Considering that COMINT is technically more challenging than ELINT, a SIGINT system that integrates COMINT and ELINT systems is of great interest to the Republic of Korea Air Force.

Electronic warfare systems based on artificial intelligence, i.e., AI technology, capable of self-learning are being researched domestically as next-generation electronic warfare technology.

Overseas, a representative next-generation electronic warfare system called Kalaetron is introduced with artificial intelligence (AI) technology, which does not rely on the Mission Data File (MDF) but models signals received on-site using proprietary algorithms and generates adaptive electronic countermeasure techniques based on this, attracting attention.

The broadband SIGINT system operates over a frequency range covering from a minimum of 20 MHz to a maximum of 40 GHz. This includes all communication systems, including tactical data links operating in the HF, VHF, and UHF bands, as COMINT reconnaissance targets. Theoretically, the entire range of current radars can be targeted for ELINT reconnaissance, including HF or VHF band 2D long-range early warning radars, UHF band 3D early warning radars, S-band tracking radars, and various fire control radars operating in the C-band (IEEE C band) or higher bands.

By automatically analyzing the patterns of newly detected signals for which digital databases have not been previously established, digital modeling is performed based on signal processing results simultaneously with detection, enabling the creation of an on-site responsive Order of Battlefield.

Utilizing this, the SIGINT system can identify the most probable signals among those detected, distinguishing between false signals intended to conceal communication orders or radar operations and actual signals.

The stand-off electronic attack system operating in conjunction with the SIGINT system can accurately allocate electronic attack resources to communication order systems by identifying real communications amid numerous actual and false communication signals that occur simultaneously, thereby blocking electronic attacks effectively.

This is especially beneficial for jamming communications in the HF and VHF bands, where output density is inevitably low. Furthermore, even for newly detected radars without identification data or countermeasure techniques in the MDF, AI-based algorithms can model, analyze, and self-learn to derive optimal electronic jamming methods and parameters to conduct electronic attacks.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.