Why HF Radio Still Matters in Modern Defence Operations

What is HF radio, and why does it matter?

In defence operations, organisations need to communicate. They need to be able to send and receive orders, intelligence and situation reports quickly and securely; this can make all the difference between an operation succeeding or failing.

Militaries and governments often rely on SatCom and internet-based networks. These are fast and convenient but can be jammed or destroyed. Satellite links and ground-based infrastructure can be knocked out; this is where High Frequency (HF) radio plays an essential role and why NATO and militaries around the world still rely on it.

High Frequency (HF) radio, also known as shortwave broadcasting, operates on frequencies between 3 and 30MHz. It enables long-distance communication by bouncing radio waves off the ionosphere (the electrically charged layer of the upper atmosphere), allowing signals to travel thousands of miles without cables or ground infrastructure in between.