Cheap SDRs and the ACE Concept

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  • By 547 IS

What effect will the proliferation of cheap software defined radios (SDR) have on the agile combat employment (ACE) concept in relation to our adversaries’ ability to rapidly find and fix US equipment/personnel during conflict?

The vast number of cheap SDRs which can scan across multiple GHz and are even capable of passively locating frequencies using time difference of arrival (TDOA) could allow an adversary to rapidly find and fix US forces during ACE scenarios. These SDRs can cost less than $100 or higher depending on needed capabilities (TDOA can be done for $500-$600). Some SDRs can be remotely monitored via ethernet or wireless local area network (such as Wi-Fi).