By Staff Correspondent
In modern conflicts, the importance of signal intelligence has risen. It is recognised that signals intelligence plays a key role in predicting and countering enemy actions. SIGINT (signals intelligence) has been essential to connect the dots between a variety of often misleading or contradicting data. It is important to know, for example, the difference between a military exercise in a border region and a build-up of forces designated for an invasion.
If the theatre of war is vast and access by sea is blocked, most of the intelligence gathering depends on airborne platforms and satellites. Wherever air superiority is not given, those planes and drones must maintain a substantial distance from the conflict zone in order not to become a target themselves. This emphasises the need for highly-performant systems with excellent accuracy, the widest possible frequency coverage, immense sensitivity, and long mission endurance.
Kalaetron Integral is HENSOLDT’s solution to provide high-performance SIGINT capabilities. The platform-agnostic approach uses a flexible architecture to scale to the platform of choice with a tailored sensor suite. It allows a wide range of possibilities: From designated high-performance surveillance aircraft to UAVs equipped with pod-based, more economic modified capabilities. Together with its powerful and well-proven classification and analysis software, it caters especially for the needs of intense, symmetrical warfare situations.
Kalaetron Integral uses an integrated approach on equipment and workflows. It merges the surveillance of radar and communication signals into one integrated system. This means the use of both domains in the full frequency range with a reduced payload onboard. This allows the platform to be smaller – or the SIGINT system onboard being much more powerful.
This integrated approach also simplifies the operators’ task as the system is operated intuitively – saving training effort and allowing for more effective missions. Another benefit is an automated situational picture for Communication Intelligence (COMINT) and Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) with no manual interfaces. For example, to detect a military radar installation even if the system is switched off as the operators continue to communicate with their headquarters.
About HENSOLDT
HENSOLDT is a leading company in the European defence industry with global reach. Based in Taufkirchen near Munich, the company develops complete sensor solutions for defence and security applications. As a technology leader, HENSOLDT drives the development of defence electronics and optronics and is continuously expanding its portfolio based on innovative approaches to data management, robotics and cyber security. With more than 6,500 employees, HENSOLDT achieved a turnover of 1.7 billion euros in 2022. HENSOLDT is listed in the MDAX on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
