The Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to install signal intelligence (SIGINT) systems on its medium-sized transport aircraft fleet to upgrade its surveillance capabilities.

Signals intelligence is intelligence gathering by interception of signals involving communications intelligence (COMINT) or electronic intelligence (ELINT), or combinations of the two.

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While the proposed airborne SIGINT systems will be able to intercept electromagnetic emissions of modern ground and airborne radars, the aircraft should also be able to detect enemy countermeasures and intercept their communication signals, an IAF official said.

The IAF has released a global request for information (RFI) for the acquisition process, according to DD India.

The IAF transport aircraft fleet comprises Antonov-32, Ilyushin-76 and C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.

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