What is electronic warfare (EW)?

Electronic warfare (EW) is a form of warfare that involves the strategic use of the electromagnetic spectrum or directed energy. Its primary goal is to control this spectrum, enabling friendly forces to operate without interference while disrupting enemy operations.

What is the main objective of electronic warfare?

The primary objective of electronic warfare is to ensure friendly forces have unimpeded access to and use of the electromagnetic spectrum, while simultaneously denying the opponent the same advantage.

From which domains can electronic warfare be conducted?

Electronic warfare can be applied from various domains, including air, sea, land, and space, utilizing both crewed and uncrewed systems.

What types of assets can be targeted by electronic warfare?

Electronic warfare can target a wide range of assets, including communication systems, radar systems, and other military and civilian infrastructure that rely on the electromagnetic spectrum.

How is the electromagnetic spectrum described in the context of military operations?

The electromagnetic spectrum's portion within the information environment is referred to as the electromagnetic environment (EME). Military operations increasingly rely on this environment, creating vulnerabilities and opportunities for EW.

What is the relationship between EW and information warfare?

Within the broader construct of information operations, EW is considered an element of information warfare. More specifically, it functions as a component of both offensive and defensive counterinformation strategies.

How does NATO define electronic warfare?

NATO defines EW as warfare conducted within the electromagnetic environment (EME), viewing the EME as an operational maneuver space and a warfighting domain. This approach uses simplified language similar to other warfighting environments like air, land, and sea.

What are the traditional NATO EW terms that have been retained?

NATO has retained the traditional terms electronic countermeasures (ECM), electronic protective measures (EPM), and electronic support measures (ESM) because they contribute to and support the broader EW activities of electronic attack (EA), electronic defense (ED), and electronic surveillance (ES).

Besides EW, what other operations utilize the electromagnetic spectrum?

Other operations that utilize the electromagnetic spectrum include intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR), as well as signals intelligence (SIGINT).

What are the three main subdivisions of electronic warfare?

The three major subdivisions of electronic warfare are electronic attack (EA), electronic protection (EP), and electronic warfare support (ES).

How is jamming used in electronic attack?

Jamming, a common form of electronic attack, involves disrupting enemy communications or radar systems by emitting interfering electromagnetic energy.

What are anti-radiation weapons used for in EA?

Anti-radiation weapons, such as missiles or bombs, are used in electronic attack to home in on specific enemy radio or radar signals, directly targeting and destroying the broadcasting system.

What is the function of the Russian Krasukha system?

The Krasukha is a Russian mobile, ground-based electronic warfare system designed to jam airborne radars, particularly those used by AWACS aircraft and airborne missiles.

What capabilities does Israel Aerospace Industries' Scorpius system offer?

The Scorpius system, announced by Israel Aerospace Industries, is an electronic warfare system capable of simultaneously disrupting radar and communications from ships, UAVs, and missiles across varying distances.

How has Ukrainian electronic warfare reportedly impacted Russian drones?

Reports indicate that Ukrainian electronic warfare has achieved increased success against Russian drones, leading to several Russian Shahed drones failing to reach their intended targets for unspecified reasons.

What is electronic protection (EP), and what are its alternative terms?

Electronic protection (EP), also known as electronic protective measures (EPM) or electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM), involves actions taken to defend against enemy electronic attacks (EA) or to prevent friendly forces from unintentionally interfering with each other's electronic operations.

How does electronic protection counter electronic attack?

EP counters EA by protecting personnel, facilities, capabilities, and equipment from the effects of electronic attacks, whether from adversaries or friendly forces.

Provide examples of electronic protection (EP) measures.

Examples of EP include using flares to distract infrared-guided missiles, employing flare rejection logic in missile seekers, utilizing spread spectrum technologies, implementing emissions control (EMCON), and using low observability (stealth) technology.

What is electronic warfare self-protection (EWSP)?

Electronic warfare self-protection (EWSP) refers to a set of countermeasures fitted primarily to aircraft to protect them from enemy fire. This can include systems like DIRCM, flares, chaff, and DRFM decoy systems.

What is the purpose of an electronic warfare tactics range (EWTR)?

An EWTR, such as those at RAF Spadeadam and Polygone, provides training for personnel operating in electronic warfare environments by simulating electronic warfare threats that aircrew might encounter during missions.

What is antifragile EW?

Antifragile EW is an advanced form of electronic protection where a communications link, when subjected to jamming, actually improves its capability. This is a rare occurrence dependent on specific jamming techniques.

What is electronic warfare support (ES)?

Electronic warfare support (ES) involves actions taken to detect, intercept, identify, locate, and/or localize sources of radiated electromagnetic energy. Its goal is to enable immediate threat recognition for military service needs.

What are common terms used for electronic warfare support?

Common terms for electronic warfare support include reconnaissance, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), or intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR).

What is the primary purpose of ES in battlefield operations?

The purpose of ES is to provide battlefield commanders with immediate recognition, prioritization, and targeting information for threats, as well as to facilitate threat avoidance.

How does signals intelligence (SIGINT) relate to ES?

Signals intelligence (SIGINT) is a related discipline that overlaps with ES. It involves analyzing intercepted transmissions from sources like radio communications and radar to gather intelligence.

What are the two main categories of SIGINT?

SIGINT is divided into two primary categories: electronic intelligence (ELINT), which analyzes non-communication signals like radar, and communications intelligence (COMINT), which focuses on intercepted communications.

What parameters are measured in SIGINT analysis?

Analysis parameters measured in SIGINT can include frequency, bandwidth, modulation, and polarization of intercepted signals.

What distinguishes SIGINT from ES?

The distinction between SIGINT and ES is based on who controls the collection assets, the type of information provided, and the intended purpose. ES is typically for tactical information under a commander's control, while SIGINT can be for more strategic intelligence purposes, even if collected by the same assets.

When and where was the earliest documented use of electronic warfare?

The earliest documented use of EW occurred during the Second Boer War (1899-1902), when the British Army attempted to jam Boer signals using searchlights.

What significant EW event occurred during the Russo-Japanese War?

During the Russo-Japanese War, a Russian admiral refused permission to electronically jam Japanese radio communications, a decision that potentially cost them crucial intelligence leading to their defeat at the Battle of Tsushima.

How was electronic warfare utilized during World War II?

During World War II, EW was extensively used by both Allies and Axis powers, notably in the "Battle of the Beams" to interfere with bombers' navigational radars, and the introduction of chaff to confuse tracking radar systems.

What role did EW play in the Vietnam War?

EW played a significant role in the Vietnam War, with aircraft relying on it for survival, although many were countered by Vietnamese electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM).

How was EW employed during the Gulf War?

During the Gulf War, USAF and USN electronic attack aircraft extensively used EW to disrupt Iraq's surface-to-air missile (SAM) and ground-controlled interception (GCI) networks.

What was the role of EW in Israel's Operation Orchard?

In Operation Orchard, Israeli EW systems were used to disrupt Syrian air defenses, allowing Israeli jets to conduct their mission and return safely without being intercepted.

What is the Borisoglebsk 2 system?

The Borisoglebsk 2 is a Russian land-based, multifunctional electronic warfare system designed to suppress satellite communications and navigation signals, mounted on MT-LB armored vehicles.

How did Russian EW initially impact Ukrainian air defense in the 2022 invasion?

In the initial phase of the 2022 invasion, Russian EW disrupted Ukraine's air defense radars and communications, but its effectiveness was scaled back due to interference with Russian own communications, allowing Ukrainian SAMs to regain effectiveness.

What was the impact of Russian EW on Ukrainian UAVs during the 2022 invasion?

Russian EW complexes deployed in Ukraine caused heavy losses of Ukrainian UAVs by suppressing GPS and radio signals, significantly reducing their operational life expectancy and mission success rates.

How did Russian EW affect the accuracy of HIMARS and JDAMs?

Russian EW's disruption of GPS signals reduced the accuracy of weapons like HIMARS and JDAMs, forcing them to rely on less precise inertial navigation systems.

What is the estimated monthly drone loss for Ukraine due to Russian EW?

According to a 2023 report, Ukraine was losing approximately 10,000 drones per month due to Russian electronic warfare systems.

What specific Russian EW systems have reportedly been destroyed in Ukraine?

Reports indicate that Ukraine has destroyed Russian Palantin EW systems and a Layer EW system in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

What is Cognitive Electronic Warfare (CEW)?

Cognitive Electronic Warfare (CEW) is an evolution of digital EW that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) into electronic warfare systems to enhance their capabilities.

How does AI contribute to CEW?

AI in CEW systems aids in automatic detection and classification of new signals, improves situation assessment, and allows for real-time adaptation to the electromagnetic spectrum by generating optimal electronic attack (EA) or protection (EP) solutions.

What are the benefits of CEW for cryptologic technicians?

CEW can provide more comprehensive information to cryptologic technicians by helping them select the most effective jamming techniques, leading to faster and better ECM or ECCM decisions.

What is the Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority Strategy (ESSS) in relation to CEW?

CEW is identified as a component of the Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority Strategy (ESSS), published in October 2020, highlighting its importance in achieving dominance in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Which organization has utilized CEW in SIGINT studies?

DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) has utilized CEW in SIGINT studies, employing convolutional neural networks and conducting research and development through projects like Blade and ARC.

What does the image of US Space Force personnel operating a satellite antenna depict?

The image shows United States Space Force personnel operating a satellite antenna during a military exercise focused on electromagnetic warfare.

What is the significance of the Krasukha image?

The image shows a Krasukha system, identified as a Russian mobile, ground-based electronic warfare system used to jam airborne radars and missiles.

What is depicted in the image of the USAF Boeing E-4?

The image shows a USAF Boeing E-4 advanced airborne command post undergoing testing on an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) simulator.

What does the image of RAF Menwith Hill show?

The image displays RAF Menwith Hill, a significant ECHELON site in the UK and part of the UK-USA Security Agreement, which is relevant to electronic intelligence gathering.

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The Essence of Electronic Warfare

Spectrum Control

Electronic Warfare (EW) is a critical domain of conflict that involves the strategic utilization of the electromagnetic spectrum (EM spectrum) and directed energy. Its primary objective is to gain and maintain control over this vital spectrum, thereby enabling friendly operations while denying adversaries the same advantage. EW encompasses actions taken to attack enemy systems, impede their operations, and ensure unimpeded access for friendly forces across air, sea, land, and space domains.

Information Warfare Nexus

Within the broader framework of information operations, EW serves as a fundamental component. It is specifically integrated into offensive and defensive counterinformation strategies. The electromagnetic environment (EME) is recognized as a dynamic operational maneuver space, presenting both vulnerabilities and opportunities that EW seeks to exploit to support military objectives.

Global Reach and Impact

EW operations are not confined to a single domain; they are executed across air, sea, land, and space by a variety of crewed and uncrewed systems. The targets of EW are diverse, ranging from critical communication networks and sophisticated radar systems to broader military and civilian assets that rely on the electromagnetic spectrum.

The Electromagnetic Environment (EME)

A Contested Domain

Modern military operations are increasingly complex, heavily influenced by the electromagnetic spectrum, which forms a crucial part of the overall information environment. The EME is recognized as a battlefield in itself, where control and access are paramount for mission success. The inherent physics of electromagnetic energy create both vulnerabilities and strategic advantages that EW systems are designed to leverage.

NATO's Perspective

NATO adopts a comprehensive approach to EW, viewing the EME as an operational maneuver space and a distinct warfighting domain. This perspective informs their doctrine, defining EW as warfare conducted within the EME. Key NATO terminology includes Electronic Attack (EA), Electronic Defense (ED), and Electronic Surveillance (ES), with traditional terms like Electronic Countermeasures (ECM), Electronic Protective Measures (EPM), and Electronic Support Measures (ESM) retained for their supporting roles.

Core EW Activities

EW encompasses a wide array of activities designed to manipulate and control the EM spectrum. These include employing electro-optical, infrared, and radio frequency countermeasures; ensuring electromagnetic compatibility and employing deception techniques; conducting radio and radar jamming and deception; implementing electronic counter-countermeasures (anti-jamming); performing electronic masking, probing, reconnaissance, and intelligence; ensuring electronic security; managing emission control (EMCON); and utilizing wartime reserve modes.

The Three Pillars of EW

Electronic Attack (EA)

Electronic Attack (EA), also known as Electronic Countermeasures (ECM), represents the offensive application of electromagnetic energy, directed energy weapons, or anti-radiation munitions. The objective is to degrade, neutralize, or destroy enemy combat capabilities, including personnel and equipment. This often involves "jamming" communication or radar systems, or using weapons that home in on enemy transmissions to destroy the source.

Notable systems like the Russian Krasukha EW system are designed to jam airborne radars, while systems like Israel's Scorpius can disrupt multiple targets simultaneously. Recent conflicts have highlighted the critical role of EA in degrading enemy C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) capabilities.

Electronic Protection (EP)

Electronic Protection (EP), or Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM), focuses on safeguarding friendly forces and systems from the effects of enemy EW. This involves measures to prevent or mitigate enemy electronic attacks, whether intentional or unintentional (fratricidal interference). EP ensures friendly freedom of action within the electromagnetic spectrum.

Examples of EP include the use of flares to decoy infrared-guided missiles, sophisticated flare-rejection logic in missile seekers, spread spectrum techniques for communication resilience, emission control (EMCON) procedures, and low-observability (stealth) technologies. Electronic Warfare Self-Protection (EWSP) suites on aircraft incorporate these measures.

Electronic Warfare Support (ES)

Electronic Warfare Support (ES) involves actions to detect, intercept, identify, locate, and potentially classify sources of electromagnetic energy. This subdivision is crucial for threat recognition, prioritization, and targeting, providing vital intelligence to commanders. It often overlaps with Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), including Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) and Communications Intelligence (COMINT).

ESM systems gather data on enemy emitters, enabling commanders to understand the operational environment and identify potential threats. This information is critical for both tactical EW actions and broader intelligence gathering, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the battlespace.

Evolution of EW: From Signals to AI

Early Encounters

The rudimentary beginnings of EW can be traced back to the Second Boer War, where rudimentary attempts at jamming signals were observed. During the Russo-Japanese War, a missed opportunity to jam enemy communications highlighted the potential strategic value of controlling the EM spectrum. World War II saw the formalization of EW with tactics like "jamming the beams" and the introduction of chaff to counter radar systems.

Modernization and Conflict

The Vietnam War saw EW play a significant role in aircraft survival, though often met with effective enemy ECCM. The Gulf War demonstrated the power of EW in disrupting sophisticated air defense networks. More recent conflicts, such as operations in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, underscore the critical importance of EW in modern warfare, impacting everything from drone operations to precision-guided munitions.

WWII: Introduction of chaff and "Battle of the Beams" tactics.
Vietnam War: EW crucial for aircraft survival against SAMs.
Gulf War: Disruption of Iraqi air defenses by specialized EW aircraft.
Operation Orchard (2007): Israeli EW disabled Syrian air defenses during a strike.
Ukraine Conflict (2022-Present): Widespread use of EW impacting drones, GPS, and communications, leading to the development of advanced systems like Borisoglebsk-2 and Palantin.

Russian EW Capabilities

Russia has significantly invested in advanced EW systems, such as the Borisoglebsk-2 and Palantin. These systems are designed for broad-spectrum jamming, signal spoofing, and disrupting satellite navigation. Their deployment, particularly in recent conflicts, has demonstrated a substantial impact on enemy electronic systems, including drone operations and precision-guided munitions, highlighting the evolving nature of EW capabilities.

Cognitive Electronic Warfare (CEW)

AI in the Spectrum

Cognitive Electronic Warfare (CEW) represents the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into EW systems. Emerging from advancements in digital EW and software-defined radio, CEW aims to enhance the speed, adaptability, and effectiveness of EW operations across all its subdivisions (EA, EP, ES).

Enhanced Capabilities

CEW systems can significantly improve situational awareness (SA) and Electronic Warfare Support (ES) by automatically detecting, classifying, and responding to novel or unknown signals and signatures. AI algorithms enable real-time adaptation to the dynamic electromagnetic spectrum, optimizing Electronic Attack (EA) and Electronic Protection (EP) solutions far faster than traditional methods.

DARPA projects like Blade and ARC are exploring CEW applications. These systems can augment intelligence gathering, update electronic order of battle (EOB) data, and provide faster, more effective ECM or ECCM decisions, fundamentally changing how EW is conducted.

Strategic Advantage

By leveraging AI, CEW offers a significant strategic advantage. It allows for more comprehensive data analysis, faster decision-making cycles, and the development of adaptive countermeasures and offensive capabilities. This evolution positions CEW as a cornerstone of future electromagnetic spectrum superiority strategies.

Related Concepts

Cyber and Information Warfare

Electronic Warfare is closely related to Cyberwarfare and Information Warfare. While EW focuses on the electromagnetic spectrum, cyberwarfare targets digital systems and networks, and information warfare encompasses a broader strategy of influencing perceptions and decision-making through information itself.

Directed Energy and EMP

Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) are a subset of EW that utilize focused energy to damage or disrupt targets. Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) effects, whether from nuclear detonations or specialized devices, can similarly disable electronic systems over a wide area, representing a significant EW threat.

SIGINT and ISR

Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) and Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) are critical enablers for EW. By intercepting and analyzing enemy electronic emissions, these disciplines provide the foundational intelligence necessary for effective EW planning and execution.

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References

Kaitlin Lewis Ukraine Destroys Russia's New High-Tech Radar Jammer With US-Made HIMARS

A full list of references for this article are available at the Electronic warfare Wikipedia page

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Electromagnetic Dominion

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

The Essence of Electronic Warfare ℹ️

📡 Spectrum Control

⚡ Information Warfare Nexus

🌐 Global Reach and Impact

The Electromagnetic Environment (EME) 🌐

🛰️ A Contested Domain

NATO NATO's Perspective

💡 Core EW Activities

The Three Pillars of EW 🏛️

💥 Electronic Attack (EA)

🛡️ Electronic Protection (EP)

🔍 Electronic Warfare Support (ES)

Evolution of EW: From Signals to AI ⏳

📜 Early Encounters

✈️ Modernization and Conflict

🇷🇺 Russian EW Capabilities

Cognitive Electronic Warfare (CEW) 🧠

🤖 AI in the Spectrum

📈 Enhanced Capabilities

🎯 Strategic Advantage

Related Concepts 🔗

💻 Cyber and Information Warfare

💥 Directed Energy and EMP

🛰️ SIGINT and ISR

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📜 Important Considerations

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

The Essence of Electronic Warfare

Spectrum Control

Information Warfare Nexus

Global Reach and Impact

The Electromagnetic Environment (EME)

A Contested Domain

NATO's Perspective

Core EW Activities

The Three Pillars of EW

Electronic Attack (EA)

Electronic Protection (EP)

Electronic Warfare Support (ES)

Evolution of EW: From Signals to AI

Early Encounters

Modernization and Conflict

Russian EW Capabilities

Cognitive Electronic Warfare (CEW)

AI in the Spectrum

Enhanced Capabilities

Strategic Advantage

Related Concepts

Cyber and Information Warfare

Directed Energy and EMP

SIGINT and ISR

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Considerations