The 9671 HF Radio Family is a next-generation high frequency (HF) communication solution developed to provide secure, long-range, and electronically resilient communications in modern operational environments. Operating within the 1.6–30 MHz HF band, the system leverages ionospheric propagation to enable beyond-line-of-sight communication over hundreds or even thousands of kilometers without reliance on satellite infrastructure.

Operational Purpose and Role

The primary mission of the 9671 HF Radio Family is to ensure secure and uninterrupted long-range communications at both tactical and strategic levels. In scenarios where satellite communications may be denied, degraded, or disrupted, HF systems serve as a critical alternative backbone for command and control continuity.

Typical mission profiles include:

• Strategic communications between command headquarters
• Naval vessel-to-shore connectivity
• Cross-border operational communications
• Infrastructure-independent communication in crisis and disaster scenarios
• Backup communication layer under electronic warfare conditions

Doctrine and Concept of Operations

Within a modern network-centric warfare doctrine, HF communication represents a resilient communication layer complementing SATCOM and V/UHF systems.

The 9671 HF system functions as:

• A backup communication layer when SATCOM is unavailable
• A long-range extension beyond tactical V/UHF reach
• A primary long-range communication solution for naval platforms
• A strategic data link for fixed command centers

Its 3G ALE (Third Generation Automatic Link Establishment) and Automatic Channel Selection (ACS) capabilities enable automatic selection of optimal frequencies based on ionospheric conditions, reducing operator workload and improving link reliability.

System Architecture

The 9671 HF Radio Family is built on a Software Defined Radio (SDR) architecture, allowing flexibility and future scalability. Through software updates, the system can support new waveforms, updated encryption modules, and evolving NATO standards.

Core architectural components include:

• RF unit (1.6–30 MHz)
• Digital signal processing module
• Integrated digital crypto module
• Frequency hopping controller
• ALE and ACS management software
• External high-power amplifiers (150W, 400W, 1000W)

Electronic Protection and Survivability

Modern battlefields expose communication systems to jamming, interception, and electronic attack. The 9671 HF Radio Family incorporates multiple layers of protection:

• Frequency hopping capability
• Integrated digital encryption
• Zeroization (emergency key erase) function
• Advanced adaptive waveforms
• Automatic channel optimization

In frequency hopping mode, encrypted voice and data transmission significantly reduce the probability of interception and jamming effectiveness.

Performance and Communication Process

HF performance is inherently dependent on ionospheric conditions. The 9671 system mitigates environmental variability through adaptive mechanisms and precise frequency control:

• Data rates: 75 bps to 12800 bps
• Frequency step size (Tx): 10 Hz
• Frequency step size (Rx): 1 Hz
• Frequency stability: 0.1 ppm

With 3G ALE, the link establishment process is automated: the system scans available frequencies, evaluates link quality, selects the optimal channel, and initiates secure communication.

Integration and Ecosystem

The system is designed for integration with military command and control systems, tactical data networks, and fixed communication infrastructures. NATO STANAG compliance ensures interoperability with allied forces.

Configurations

• 150W HF Naval / Fixed Station Configuration
• 400W HF Naval / Fixed Station Configuration
• 1000W HF Naval / Fixed Station Configuration
• VLF/HF Receiver Configuration

This modular structure allows deployment from coastal stations to blue-water naval platforms.

Detailed Technical Specifications

Frequency Range

• 1.6 – 30 MHz (HF band)
• VLF/HF receiver option (detailed parameters not publicly disclosed)

Frequency Stability

• 0.1 ppm

Frequency Resolution

• Transmit: 10 Hz
• Receive: 1 Hz

RF Output Power

• 150 W
• 400 W
• 1000 W

Data Communication Rates

• 75 bps – 12800 bps

Specific waveform parameters are not publicly disclosed.

Encryption and Security

• Integrated digital crypto module
• Encrypted voice and data in frequency hopping mode
• Emergency key zeroization

Details of cryptographic algorithms are not publicly available.

ALE and Channel Management

• 3G ALE support
• Manual ALE operation
• Automatic Channel Selection (ACS)
• Channel scanning

Electronic Warfare Resistance

• Frequency hopping
• Adaptive channel management
• Multi-waveform capability

Exact anti-jam performance metrics are not publicly disclosed.

Deployment and Logistics

• Naval integration
• Fixed communication centers
• External high-power amplifiers
• Mission-dependent antenna configurations

Antenna types and gain specifications are not publicly disclosed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 9671 HF Radio Family used for?

• It provides secure, long-range, beyond-line-of-sight military communication without reliance on satellite systems, ensuring operational continuity in contested environments.

What is its operational range?

• HF communication range depends on ionospheric conditions. It can extend from several hundred to several thousand kilometers. Exact operational range figures are not publicly disclosed.

Is it resistant to electronic warfare?

• Yes. The system includes frequency hopping, encryption, adaptive channel selection, and waveform diversity to enhance resilience against jamming and interception.

What is 3G ALE?

• 3G ALE is an automated link establishment technology that selects the best frequency channel based on real-time propagation conditions, minimizing manual operator intervention.

Is it NATO compatible?

• Yes. The system is designed in compliance with relevant NATO STANAG standards to ensure interoperability with allied forces.

Is it mobile or fixed?

• The primary configurations are naval and fixed station based. Details regarding tactical vehicle-mounted variants are not publicly disclosed.

What are its international equivalents?

• Several NATO-aligned defense manufacturers produce SDR-based HF communication systems. However, direct technical comparisons require publicly available performance data, which is limited.

Sources

• ASELSAN Official Product Page – 9671 HF Radio Family
• ASELSAN Communication Systems Catalogs
• Publicly available defense exhibition brochures