U.S. Air Force Sends Unusually Long Encrypted Messages Over Nuclear Alert System—Mystery Deepens

 

Over the weekend, the U.S. Air Force transmitted two highly unusual and extended Emergency Action Messages (EAMs) via the High-Frequency Global Communications System (HFGCS)—a secure network used to deliver commands to America’s nuclear-capable forces, including bombers, submarines, and missile systems.

According to a report from The Express, the first encrypted message, broadcast on June 14, contained a stunning 246 characters—far exceeding the typical EAM length of about 30 characters. The next day, on June 15, a second code was sent, this time approaching 290 characters, making it even more unprecedented.

EAMs are not routine communications. As defined by U.S. military doctrine, they are time-sensitive, highly encrypted directives capable of initiating Major Attack Options (MAOs) or Limited Attack Options (LAOs). These messages are cryptographically safeguarded to prevent unauthorized access, spoofing, or interception.

The reason behind these extended broadcasts remains unclear.

As Unilad reported, the June 14 message—described as a 20-minute transmission—was intercepted by amateur radio monitors and quickly leaked online, though the contents remain undeciphered. The HFGCS system it was sent through operates via shortwave radio signals, allowing for global communication reach and is crucial for relaying emergency instructions and mission-critical updates to U.S. Air Force and Navy units.

A recording of the message has since circulated on social media platforms such as Twitter, but so far, no official explanation has been offered by the Department of Defense or U.S. Strategic Command.

With tensions running high in several global hotspots, analysts and observers are left to speculate: were these extended EAMs part of a high-level drill, a response to a specific threat, or something far more consequential?