SIGNALS INTELLIGENCE
(SIGINT)

​What is Signals Intelligence?

 

Signals intelligence (SIGINT), otherwise called RF Geointelligence (RFGEOINT) or RF Geolocation (RFGL), encompasses the use of radio frequency (RF) signal detection and geolocation to monitor and track vessels across the world’s oceans. Unlike traditional methods such as AIS or radar, SIGINT identifies and locates vessels based on their RF emissions, including those from communication devices or onboard systems.

 

This capability is particularly valuable for addressing scenarios where ships operate outside the bounds of standard tracking, such as AIS darkness or spoofing.

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Signals Intelligence in the Maritime Landscape

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Traditional tracking systems are increasingly bypassed or manipulated to obscure illicit activity. SIGINT bridges these gaps:​

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• Track Non-Cooperative Vessels: Ships with disabled or manipulated AIS can still be located and monitored through their RF emissions.

• Expose Illicit Activity: Detect vessels involved in sanctions evasion, illegal fishing, and other unlawful operations.

• Validate Maritime Data: Cross-reference RF geolocation data with AIS to uncover spoofing, position manipulation, or dark shipping events.

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SIGINT provides a powerful, independent layer of monitoring, ensuring actionable intelligence for maritime authorities and organizations.

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How Does Signals Intelligence Work?

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The following process allows for accurate, near-real-time tracking, even in areas where traditional systems fail.

 

• Satellite-Based RF Detection: Clusters of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) detect RF signals emitted by ships. These signals can include communications, radar, or other transmissions.

• Geolocation Techniques: Advanced algorithms, such as Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) and Frequency Difference of Arrival (FDOA), triangulate the source of RF emissions to pinpoint vessel locations.

• Data Fusion: RF signals are combined with other datasets, such as AIS, imagery, and open-source intelligence, to build a comprehensive picture of vessel behavior.

Signals Intelligence Applications

Below are a few of the ways SIGINT supports real-world applications in the maritime domain.

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• Dark Shipping: Track vessels that disable AIS to operate undetected, such as oil tankers evading sanctions.

• Sanctions Evasion Monitoring: Identify ship-to-ship transfers and unauthorized movements in restricted waters.

• Illegal Fishing: Monitor fishing vessels in protected areas where AIS manipulation is common.

• Enhanced Situational Awareness: Support maritime domain awareness by identifying suspicious activity in high-risk regions.

Advantages of Signals Intelligence (SIGINT)

Shaping the Future of Maritime Monitoring As illicit activities grow more sophisticated, signals intelligence is at the forefront of maritime security and intelligence. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, you enable transparency and accountability in the maritime domain, helping organizations stay compliant, protect their interests, and counter unlawful activities at sea.

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• Resilient Tracking: SIGINT operates independently of onboard systems, meaning vessels cannot easily hide from detection.

• Global Coverage: Satellites in LEO provide visibility over remote areas and maritime zones beyond the reach of shore-based monitoring.

• Precision and Speed: Real-time processing of RF signals enables authorities to act quickly in response to potential threats or illicit activity.

• Complementary to AIS: RF data validates AIS signals, exposing spoofing attempts and providing a critical layer of redundancy.​

 

 

Explore our blog to discover how RF Geolocation Intelligence (RFGEOINT) can transform your maritime operations today.