UPGRADING OF COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK BETWEEN USSR AND AFGHANISTAN

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP82T00709R000200870001-0
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 8
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 1, 2010
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: June 1, 1982
• Content Type: REPORT

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Secret
imagery analysis report
R D P82T00709 R000200870001-0
Upgrading of Communications
Network Between USSR and
Afghanistan (S)
Secret
Z-14567/82
IAR-0032/82
JUNE 1982
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UPGRADING OF COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK BETWEEN
USSR AND AFGHANISTAN (S)
1. (S/WN) Analysis of imagery 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mobile TWIN PLATE (Figure 2) troposcatter sets had been replaced by three ground-mounted TWIN DISH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) Between three of the six TWIN PLATE troposcatter 25X1
sets normally deployed at the troposcatter station were 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 of an HF radcom station was identified northeast of the 25X1
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.
(S/WN) All relevant satellite imagery acquired from January 1980 through was used in the 25X1
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 25X1
LJ/\I
(S) Comments and queries regarding this report are welcome. They should be directed to the following NPIC
Imagery Exploitation Group personnel: USSR tonics. or green extension
Afghanistan topics,
WNINTEL - 1 -
Z-14567/82 SECRET IA R-0032/82
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'W-vi
25X1
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SECRET
FIGURE 1. COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK BETWEEN USSR AND AFGHANISTAN
MODIFIED
TWIN PLATE
ANTENNA
IA R -0032/82
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TERMEZ
TROPOSCATTER
FIGURE 5. ORIENTATIONS OF TROPOSCATTER ANTENNAS AT TERMEZ
FIGURE 6. TRANSMITTING DISTANCES OF HF ANTENNAS AT TERMEZ
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