Abstract: A tunable antenna system for operation over a predetermined frequency range includes a high Q antenna having a length and width each significantly less than a quarter wavelength within the predetermined frequency range. A controllable reactive element is coupled to the antenna and has a variable reactance for tuning the antenna in a high Q resonant circuit to the frequency of a desired signal in the frequency range coupled to the antenna. An antenna tuning circuit responsive to the frequency to which the antenna is tuned provides an antenna tuning signal to the controllable reactive element so that the antenna remains tuned to the frequency of the desired signal.