Here are frequencies used by the Russian military in the current conflict in… (you know where).
The New York Times has recently run an incredible video story about how Russian radio communications are being intercepted and recorded by ham radio operators and open-source radio monitoring hobbyists in Europe.
Russian Military Frequency Reference Table
Important: These frequencies are based on long-term monitoring and OSINT reporting. Actual usage can vary due to frequency hopping, encryption, and operational changes.
HF (High Frequency) – Long Range Communications
Frequency (kHz) | Band | Typical Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
3828 | HF | “Squeaky Wheel” network | Tonal marker + occasional voice |
4625 | HF | UVB-76 (“The Buzzer”) | Continuous marker signal, rare voice traffic |
5448 | HF | “The Pip” | Intermittent tone + voice |
5742 – 5800 | HF | Military voice nets | अक्सर USB voice activity observed |
6660 – 6820 | HF | Regional command nets | Strong daytime propagation |
8130 – 8150 | HF | Air/ground coordination | Intermittent |
10000 – 11200 | HF | Strategic comms | Often digital bursts |
12400 – 13000 | HF | Aviation / long-range | अच्छे daytime signals |
15000 – 16000 | HF | High propagation links | Solar cycle dependent |
VHF (Very High Frequency) – Ground Tactical
Frequency (MHz) | Band | Typical Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
30 – 50 | VHF | Infantry comms | հաճախ frequency hopping |
50 – 88 | VHF | Vehicle / field radios | NATO-equivalent tactical band |
100 – 108 | VHF | Military allocations (overlaps FM broadcast) | Occasional spillover |
108 – 136 | VHF | Airband (shared) | AM modulation |
136 – 174 | VHF | Logistics / support | Mix of analog + digital |
UHF (Ultra High Frequency) – Air & Advanced Systems
Frequency (MHz) | Band | Typical Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
225 – 300 | UHF | Military aviation | Air-to-air / air-to-ground |
300 – 350 | UHF | Tactical coordination | հաճախ encrypted |
350 – 400 | UHF | Air operations | Similar to NATO usage |
400 – 470 | UHF | Ground + relay | նաև digital trunking in some areas |
Specialized & Digital Signals
Frequency Range | Type | Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
3 – 30 MHz | ALE | Automatic link establishment | पहचान योग्य bursts |
4 – 12 MHz | Digital | Encrypted comms | Not decodable by hobbyists |
Various HF | Burst transmission | Command signaling | Millisecond packets |
< 30 kHz | VLF | Submarine comms | Requires specialized equipment |
Understanding Russian Military Radio Strategy
Unlike civilian communications, military radio systems are designed for:
- Redundancy (multiple bands for the same unit)
- Mobility (field deployment across varied terrain)
- Security (encryption, frequency hopping)
- Survivability (operation during electronic warfare)
The Russian military continues to rely heavily on HF radio, even in the modern era, because it provides long-range communication without reliance on satellites or infrastructure.
High Frequency (HF) Bands – Long Range Communications
Typical Range: 3 MHz – 30 MHz
HF is the backbone of Russian long-distance military communication. It is used for:
- Strategic command and control
- Naval communications
- Long-range aviation
- Backup systems during satellite denial
Commonly Observed Frequencies
While frequencies shift frequently, monitoring reports consistently identify activity in these ranges:
- 3.0 – 5.5 MHz → Nighttime long-range comms
- 5.5 – 9.0 MHz → General purpose / transitional propagation
- 9.0 – 15.0 MHz → Daytime operations
- 15 – 20 MHz → High solar activity / long-distance links
Very High Frequency (VHF) – Tactical Ground Operations
Typical Range: 30 MHz – 300 MHz
VHF is used for:
- Ground forces coordination
- Vehicle-to-vehicle communication
- Infantry tactical networks
Key Observations
- 30 – 88 MHz → Primary tactical band (similar to NATO usage)
- 100 – 150 MHz → Secondary channels and logistics
- FM modulation is common
- Increasing use of digital voice and encrypted modes
Russian forces frequently use radios such as the R-168 “Akveduk” system, which supports:
- Frequency hopping
- Encryption
- Data + voice transmission
Because of this, most modern VHF traffic is not intelligible, but signals can still be detected and analyzed.
Ultra High Frequency (UHF) – Air and Specialized Use
Typical Range: 300 MHz – 3 GHz
UHF is used for:
- Air-to-air communication
- Air-to-ground coordination
- Satellite links
- Electronic warfare systems
Common Monitoring Areas
- 225 – 400 MHz → Military aviation band
- Russian aircraft often operate similarly to NATO standards in this range
- Signals are typically AM (for aviation), though digital modes are increasingly used
Naval Communications
Russian naval forces rely heavily on HF and VLF:
- HF (3–30 MHz) → Ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore
- VLF (<30 kHz) → Submarine communications (not receivable on standard hobby gear)
Naval traffic often appears as:
- Digital bursts
- Encrypted voice
- ALE (Automatic Link Establishment) signals
Digital Modes and Encryption
Modern Russian military communications increasingly use:
- Frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS)
- Digital voice encoding
- Burst transmissions
- Strong encryption
For hobbyists, this means:
- You will often detect signals but not decode content
- SDR waterfall analysis becomes more important than audio listening
Monitoring Techniques for Hobbyists
Equipment Recommendations
To effectively monitor Russian military activity:
- SDR receivers (wideband coverage)
- Outdoor HF antenna (long wire or dipole)
- VHF/UHF discone antenna
- Spectrum analysis software (e.g., SDR++ or similar)
Best Practices
- Monitor during grayline propagation for HF signals
- Scan known ranges rather than fixed frequencies
- Watch for patterns, not just voice
- Log frequencies over time to identify recurring activity
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Monitoring radio signals is generally legal in many countries, including Canada, as long as you do not:
- Attempt to decrypt encrypted communications
- Interfere with transmissions
- Use intercepted information improperly
Always verify local regulations before engaging in monitoring activities.
Reliability of Frequency Information
It’s important to understand:
- Military frequencies are not static
- Units shift frequencies frequently
- Exercises and conflicts change usage patterns
Most publicly available data comes from:
- Open-source intelligence (OSINT)
- Hobbyist monitoring communities
- Historical and declassified records
This means no list is ever 100% complete or current—but patterns remain consistent.
Key Takeaways
- Russian military communications span HF, VHF, and UHF bands
- HF remains critically important for long-range communication
- Most modern tactical comms are encrypted or frequency-hopping
- Hobbyists can still observe signal activity, structure, and patterns
- Monitoring is about analysis and persistence, not just listening
The Canadian International DX Club, Canada’s national radio monitoring club, has prepared a special 10-page feature article “Focus on Ukr****”, providing dozens of links to information sources on the conflict in Ukr****, including a lot of radio information. The feature is available through their webpage.
