REPLACEMENT OF PAGES 1 AND 2

Document Type: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
CIA-RDP82T00709R000200770001-1
Release Decision: 
RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
S
Document Page Count: 
5
Document Creation Date: 
December 28, 2016
Document Release Date: 
June 22, 2010
Sequence Number: 
1
Case Number: 
Publication Date: 
January 1, 1982
Content Type: 
MEMO
File: 
AttachmentSize
PDF icon CIA-RDP82T00709R000200770001-1.pdf687.87 KB
Body: 
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/06/22 : CIA-RDP82T00709R000200770001-1 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/06/22 : CIA-RDP82T00709R000200770001-1 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/06/22 : CIA-RDP82T00709R000200770001-1 Warning Notice Intelligence Sources and Methods Involved (WNINTEL) or (D) NATIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION Unauthorized Disclosure Subject to Criminal Sanctions DISSEMINATION CONTROL ABBREVIATIONS NOFORN- Not Releasable to Foreign Nationals NOCONTRACT- Not Releasable to Contractors or Contractor/Consultants PROPIN- Caution- Proprietary Information Involved ORCON- Dissemination and Extraction of Information Controlled by Originator REL ... This Information has Been Authorized for Release to.. . Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/06/22 : CIA-RDP82T00709R000200770001-1 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/06/22 : CIA-RDP82T00709R000200770001-1 SECRET MEMORANDUM FOR: Recipients of Z-14567/82, IAR-0032/82 Upgrading of Communications Network Between USSR and Afghanistan Imagery Analysis Report Dated June 1982 SUBJECT : Replacement of pages 1 and 2 Please replace pages 1 and 2 with the attached. WNINTEL Z-14567/82-1 SECRET I A R-0032/82-1 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/06/22 : CIA-RDP82T00709R000200770001-1 UPGRADING OF COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK BETWEEN USSR AND AFGHANISTAN (S) Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/06/22: CIA-RDP82T00709R000200770001-1 1. (S/WN) Analysis of ima er of the Termez Troposcatter and Radio Communica- 25X1 tions Transmitter Station Northwest USSR, revealed two significant improvements in the 25X1 radio communications network between strategic points in the USSR and Afghanistan (Figure 1). Three mobile TWIN PLATE (Figure 2) troposcatter sets had been replaced by three ground-mounted TWIN DISH troposcatter sets (Figure 3), and a high-frequency radio communications (HF radcom) antenna field was identified directly adjacent to the deployed troposcatter sets. These changes, along with improvements observed in Afghanistan, have greatly enhanced the permanency of this major communications line and its capability to handle increased message traffic and provide direct long-haul transmissions to Moscow. 2. (S/WN) Termez is a major border transshipment point between the USSR and Afghanistan (Figure 4). Since the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, Termez has provided vital logistical support and rear services for Soviet military operations in Afghanistan. Recent improvements at Termez Troposcatter Station, 5.6 nautical miles (nm) northwest of Termez, reflect continued Soviet interest in maintaining Termez as a link between senior echelons in Moscow, the Soviet army headquarters in Afghanistan, and the Turkestan Military District headquarters in Tashkent. It is believed that the network established among these locations is used specifically in support of the Soviet forces in Afghanistan. 3. (S/WN) Termez Troposcatter Station, on the northern bank of the Amu Darya river, was first identified in January 1980. Since that time, equipment normally deployed there has included two R-409 CATS PAW and between three and six TWIN PLATE sets. Initially, six support tents provided the necessary administration/housing facilities. In late July 1980, the first construction activity was observed. Construc- tion was finished in May 1981 with the completion of one single-story, rectangular, medium-sized proba- ble control building and three smaller support buildings. 4. (S/WN) the six TWIN PLATE sets normally deployed at the troposcatter 25X1 station were present. On the following day, three of the TWIN PLATE sets had been replaced by three TWIN DISH sets. The remaining three TWIN PLATE sets (one modified) were not changed. Based on their azimuths (Figure 5), the troposcatter sets establish communication links between Termez and Dushanbe, USSR; Tashkent, USSR; Qonduz (Kunduz), Afghanistan; and Pol-e Khomri, Afghanistan. Because Kabul is beyond the normal range for troposcatter transmission (100 to 120 nm), Pol-e Khomri-at the optimum distance of 105 nm from Termez-probably serves as a relay point for the Termez-Kabul Communications line (Figure 6). 5. (S/WN) On imagery an HF radcom station was identified northeast of the 2bX1 troposcatter equipment and support building at the Termez Station. The antenna field, which has been present since October 1981, consists of two double rhombic, four horizontal dipole, and two quadrant antennas (Figure 7). The HF antennas provide long-range transmission capability and are directely ori- ented toward Moscow, Tashkent, and Kabul. 6. (S/WN) Recent improvements in this Soviet main communications network have also been ob- served in Afghanistan. New TWIN DISH sets were identified at Pol-e Khomri Soviet Deployment Area (BE This deployment area consists of two TWIN DISH sets and four TWIN 25X1 PLATE antennas (three modified) oriented northwest toward Termez and two TWIN DISH sets and three TWIN PLATE antennas (one modified) oriented south toward Kabul. Imagery Analyst's Comments 7. (S/WN) The Soviets have probably taken these measures to improve their strategic communica- tions network in anticipation of a long, sustained involvement in Afghanistan. The TWIN PLATE and the more permanent TWIN DISH stations allow for an increased communications range capability to and from Afghanistan. The HF radcom station has further enhanced this communications network with its direct links to senior echelons in Moscow, Soviet army headquarters in Kabul, and Turkestan Military District headquarters in Tashkent. 1. GTE Sylvania Contract/DIA. Carnahan, Kenneth R, et al, Soviet High Frequency Communication Antennas, 18 Dec 78 (UNCLASSIFIED) RELATED DOCUMENT DIA. DDB-1100-300-81, Soviet Forces of the Turkestan Military District (U), Aug 81 (SECRET/I WNINTEL Z-14567/82-1 25X1 LZDAI 25X1 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/06/22 : CIA-RDP82T00709R000200770001-1 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/06/22 : CIA-RDP82T00709R000200770001-1 SECRET FIGURE 1. COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK BETWEEN USSR AND AFGHANISTAN TWIN PLATE ANTENNA Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/06/22 : CIA-RDP82T00709R000200770001-1