Als Ultrakurzwellen (UKW) bezeichnet man elektromagnetische Wellen in einem Frequenzbereich von 30 MHz bis 300 MHz, entsprechend Wellenlängen zwischen zehn Meter und einem Meter. Sie liegen somit zwischen den Kurzwellen (die länger sind als Ultrakurzwellen) und den Dezimeterwellen (die kürzer sind).

Very high frequency (VHF) is the ITU designation for the range of radio frequency electromagnetic waves (radio waves) from to , with corresponding wavelengths of ten to one meters. Frequencies immediately below VHF are denoted high frequency (HF), and the next higher frequencies are known as ultra high frequency (UHF). Common uses for VHF are FM radio broadcasting, television broadcasting, two way land mobile radio systems (emergency, business, private use and military), long range data communication up to several tens of kilometres with radio modems, amateur radio, and marine communications.  Air traffic control communications and air navigation systems (e.g. VOR, DME & ILS) work at distances of 100 kilometres or more to aircraft at cruising altitude.