What is the primary use of UHF frequencies?

UHF frequencies, which operate in the range of 300 MHz to 3 GHz, are particularly suited for ground-to-air and air-to-air communications due to their ability to effectively penetrate atmosphere and handle the varying terrain associated with military operations. This frequency band provides reliable connectivity for aviation platforms, allowing pilots to communicate clearly with ground control and with other aircraft, ensuring successful coordination and execution of missions. The propagation characteristics of UHF frequencies enable them to work well at relatively short ranges while still maintaining effective communication in dynamic operational environments.

In contrast, other uses such as long-range communications and tactical communications may not leverage UHF frequencies as effectively as they do VHF or higher bandwidth frequencies. Ground-to-ground communications typically utilize different frequency ranges to optimize range and clarity, while long-range secure voice and data communications might rely on other technologies, such as satellite communications or specific encryption protocols that aren't limited to UHF.