Thorn (Radio Intelligence Complex)

2024: Application in the Russian army

On July 9, 2024, it became known about the use by the Russian army of the new Thorn radio intelligence complex to intercept conversations of the Ukrainian armed forces in the zone of a special military operation. This technological solution allows you to increase the effectiveness of reconnaissance activities and the efficiency of response to enemy actions.

According to TASS, the Thorn complex is actively used by the North group of forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. The system provides the ability to intercept radio conversations and determine the location of Ukrainian military personnel in real time.

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tass

The Thorn automated mobile radio intelligence system has impressive technical characteristics. Its antennas are capable of intercepting enemy radio signals at a distance of up to several tens of kilometers. Special attention is paid to masking the equipment, which makes it possible to ensure its secretive operation without the direct presence of operators.

The operation of the Thorn complex is organized around the clock. Operators on shift duty have the opportunity to be the first to receive information about the enemy's plans by direction finding radio stations and listening to negotiations over unprotected communication channels.

{{quote 'One of the operators of the complex with the call sign "Sagittarius" noted the high efficiency of the system: "This is a complex of radio monitoring and localization. There was a moment when our units were fighting, we monitored this in real time. We hear that the enemy plans to withdraw there, and when they have some kind of panic, they stop encrypting. " }}

An important feature of Thorn is the ability to intercept not only radio conversations, but also cellular communications, which are often used by Ukrainian servicemen. This allows you to receive additional intelligence information and determine the geoposition of subscribers.^[1]

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