Introduction on The Importance of Signals Intelligence in the Cold War

Abstract

This contribution presents a general overview of Signals Intelligence (Sigint), as well as a balanced assessment of the historical strengths and weaknesses of Sigint as an intelligence source, with a focus post the Cold War era. One of the key findings is that Sigint became an essential source of intelligence information on both sides of the Iron curtain because of the failings of other intelligence sources, especially Human Intelligence (Humint). It is also apparent that Sigint, together with the reconnaissance satellites operated by the US and the USSR, consistently produced the most reliable intelligence available to consumers on both sides of the Atlantic. After weighing Sigint's successes and failings during the Cold War, the authors also conclude that Sigint's true value as an intelligence source can only be achieved when it is effectively combined with information produced by other intelligence sources into an 'all-source' product.