Software defined radio (SDR) special military applications

Emerging conflict scenarios are highlighting US vulnerabilities to terrorist engagements and espionage. Warfighters and intelligence agencies must leverage the electromagnetic spectrum in new ways to "put steel on target" and collect information on adversaries. Emerging software defined radio systems (SDR) can be used well beyond their intended JTRS communications mission to locate threats in a "stand-in" signal collection mode, and coordinate offensive resources and other JTRS systems to neutralize the threat. In this manner, the programmable communication system is transformed into a flexible signal collection resource that locates hostile signals both in spectrum and geography, becoming an intelligence and combat multiplier. Ultimately, this approach will leverage the ubiquitous presence of SDR platforms on the near-future battlespace to significantly enhance warfighter survivability while presenting new opportunities for distributed signal collection and analysis.