Soviet / East German Signals Intelligence Operations

Both East and West saw the border  as a rich area for signals intercept.  Within the Eaglehorse sector, just visible to the naked eye was the " Bee Hive " antenna array by Ellenbogen.  This was an East German state intelligence service signals intercept point.  Featured are four fotos showing the Ellenbogen complex at various distances.  Once the border opened and East Germany began to fall apart, Erwin Ritter drove to the site and took several close ups of the antennas. 

Also visible from the Eaglehorse sector was the Soviet Army radio intercept base at "Grosse Gleichberg",  near the East German town of Rhomhild.  This could be seen in the distance from the vicinity of Breitensee, in the southern portion of our responsibility.

 A standard US patrol area of concern were the temporary Soviet signals collection points established  a few kilometers back from the barriers during periods of large NATO maneuvers.  This image of Hill 805 shows just such a collection point. 

[All photos courtesy Erwin Ritter]

Mast and building cluster at Soviet Army signal intercept site at Grosse Gleichberg.
 

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