US Military Spectrum Frequencies
Interactive visualization of electromagnetic spectrum usage in military applications
Click on a frequency band to see detailed information
About Military Frequency Bands
The electromagnetic spectrum is divided into bands based on frequency. Different military applications use specific bands based on their propagation characteristics, resolution requirements, and intended use. Military systems operate across a wide range of frequencies, often overlapping with civilian applications but with specialized equipment and protocols designed for tactical operations.
Higher frequency bands provide better resolution but have shorter range and are more affected by atmospheric conditions. Lower frequency bands have better penetration through obstacles and longer range but provide less bandwidth. Military spectrum allocation balances these trade-offs for different mission requirements.
Signal Propagation Characteristics
How radio waves behave varies dramatically across the frequency spectrum. This affects which bands are chosen for specific military applications:
Military Spectrum Applications
Military forces rely on the electromagnetic spectrum for a wide range of critical capabilities:
- Command and Control
- Secure communication networks (primarily VHF, UHF, L, S, and C2 bands)
- Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance
- Radar systems, signals intelligence (spans multiple bands)
- Navigation
- GPS and other positioning systems (primarily L band)
- Weapons Guidance
- Precision targeting systems (X, Ku, Ka bands)
- Electronic Warfare
- Jamming, spoofing, and protection against enemy systems (all bands)
Military systems often need to operate in contested environments where adversaries may be actively trying to deny access to the electromagnetic spectrum, making resilience and adaptability crucial.
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Tags: spectrum
