Signal searchers – electronic warfare (IT)

About this video

Synopsis In modern warfare, an invisible battle is taking place across the electromagnetic spectrum. Italy’s 33rd Electronic Warfare Regiment provides NATO with a highly specialised capability to detect, analyse and locate the signals produced by communications, radar, navigation systems, drones and sensors. Using surveillance systems and jammers, its soldiers can protect friendly communications and disrupt those of an adversary. As military technology evolves rapidly, Italy is investing in electronic warfare capabilities that are increasingly important to NATO’s deterrence and defence.

TRANSCRIPT

—SOUNDBITE IN ENGLISH— CPT. ENRICO LANTERI, 33rd Electronic Warfare Regiment, Italian Army “In modern warfare, an invisible battle is taking place all around us. If you could see it, the environment would be filled with electromagnetic signals.” — TEXT ON SCREEN —

SIGNAL SEARCHERS

Electronic warfare is highly classified and largely invisible.

Some of the footage in this video has been altered for dramatic effect. Slightly.

—SOUNDBITE IN ENGLISH— GRAPHIC: CPT. ENRICO LANTERI, 33rd Electronic Warfare Regiment, Italian Army “Italian electronic warfare brings to NATO a highly specialised capability to operate in the electromagnetic environment. Right now, in the modern battlefield everything depends on signals and on the electromagnetic spectrum. Communication, radars, navigation, drones and sensors, these signals are very important because they can reveal position, intention and movements. Soldiers and vehicles emit radio communication signals, GPS signals and radar reflections. All emissions that the adversary can detect, analyse and even interfere. Whoever controls the electromagnetic spectrum, controls the battlefield and can influence the operation.”

—SOUNDBITE IN ENGLISH— GRAPHIC: PVT. FRANCESCO SERRAO, 33rd Electronic Warfare Regiment, Italian Army “The motto of our brigade is Col cuore e con l’ingegno. (With heart and intellect.) And in our work, the brain is especially important. Our training never finishes because we have to study constantly and improve our skills.” —UPSOT IN ITALIAN (ENGLISH SUBTITLES)— “Bravo, Bravo, this is Alpha” —SOUNDBITE IN ENGLISH— PVT. FRANCESCO SERRAO, 33rd Electronic Warfare Regiment, Italian Army

The electromagnetic environment is invisible. But if I have to imagine it, I think it will be like a lot of shooting stars.” —SOUNDBITE IN ITALIAN (SUBTITLES IN ENGLISH) — GRAPHIC: CPL. NICOLINA TESTA, 33rd Electronic Warfare Regiment, Italian Army

“I imagine thousands of signals that travel in the atmosphere, connecting people and systems.”

—UPSOT IN ENGLISH— INTERVIEWER “And how would it sound?” —SOUNDBITE IN ENGLISH— PVT. FRANCESCO SERRAO, 33rd Electronic Warfare Regiment, Italian Army “Pssshh… pssshh… pssshh…” —SOUNDBITE IN ITALIAN (SUBTITLES IN ENGLISH) — CPL. NICOLINA TESTA, 33rd Electronic Warfare Regiment, Italian Army “Fzzzz… These are surveillance devices. They scan the electromagnetic spectrum in order to identify, analyse and locate the signals of interest.” —SOUNDBITE IN ENGLISH— CPT. ENRICO LANTERI, 33rd Electronic Warfare Regiment, Italian Army “We also use systems that can protect and secure friendly communications. And at the same time, we have jammers that can disrupt or deny communications for the enemy.” —SOUNDBITE IN ENGLISH— PVT. FRANCESCO SERRAO, 33rd Electronic Warfare Regiment, Italian Army “This technology is evolving very fast, and it is important for us to evolve and to adapt with the modern systems.” —SOUNDBITE IN ENGLISH— CPT. ENRICO LANTERI, 33rd Electronic Warfare Regiment, Italian Army

“Electronic warfare is a key part of modern deterrence, and investing in these capabilities will protect lives now and in the future.“