Understand the concepts, techniques and challenges of electronic warfare, its key role in modern conflicts and its strategic implications.
Electronic warfare** is the use of the electromagnetic spectrum to disrupt, neutralise or exploit adversary systems, while protecting one’s own electronic infrastructure. It encompasses three main categories: interference (disruption of enemy communications and radar), electronic protection (defence against electromagnetic attack), and electromagnetic intelligence (detection and exploitation of enemy signals). In modern warfare, electronic warfare is crucial to ensuring technological and tactical superiority on the battlefield.
Definition and strategic importance of electronic warfare
Electronic warfare** (EW) is a form of combat that uses the electromagnetic spectrum to affect, exploit or defend adversary or allied electronic infrastructures and communications systems. It includes offensive actions aimed at perturing an adversary’s communications, radar or navigation systems, as well as defensive measures to protect its own systems.
This type of warfare has become fundamental in modern conflicts, where a large proportion of military operations rely on the use of radio waves, radar, and satellite navigation systems such as GPS. By disrupting these systems, forces engaged in electronic warfare can disorganise the enemy, reduce its ability to coordinate its forces, and weaken its defence systems.
In a world increasingly dependent on communications technology, electronic warfare also makes it possible to infiltrate enemy networks in order to extract strategic information. This gives a decisive tactical advantage to forces that have mastered this form of warfare. For example, in the war in Ukraine, Russia made extensive use of jamming systems to disrupt the communications of Ukrainian forces, making them less effective on the ground.
The three main components of electronic warfare
Electronic warfare can be divided into three main categories: electronic attack, electronic protection, and electronic intelligence.
- Electronic Attack (EA) involves disrupting, jamming or destroying the enemy’s communication and detection systems. This may include actions such as jamming radars, intercepting communications, or sending false signals to deceive opposing forces. An example of this practice is the use of systems such as the Russian Krasukha-4, capable of jamming radar and surveillance satellites.
- Electronic Protection (EP) is the set of measures taken to protect one’s own systems against electromagnetic attacks. This includes the use of electronic countermeasures such as jamming enemy signals or early detection of disruption attempts. For example, jamming systems on board fighter aircraft such as the AN/ALQ-257 (built into the F-16) increase the survivability of aircraft in contested environments.
- Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) consists of intercepting and analysing enemy signals to obtain information. This data is used to determine enemy positions and communications strategies, and to obtain crucial information about their defensive capabilities. Spy satellites and surveillance aircraft such as the Boeing RC-135** are often used for these operations.
These three aspects are essential to modern strategic planning, as they enable real-time decisions to be made, attacks to be prevented and the effectiveness of deployed forces to be optimised.
Practical applications of electronic warfare
There are many applications for electronic warfare, depending on the type of mission. One of the most common applications is radar interdiction. By disrupting opposing radar systems, an army can neutralise detection capabilities and thus penetrate enemy airspace or sea without being detected. For example, during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, US forces used aircraft specialised in radar jamming to disable Iraqi air defences.
Another key area is communications jamming. In a conflict, cutting off an enemy’s communications deprives him of the ability to coordinate his forces. Radio jamming is often used to interfere with tactical communications channels, making it impossible to synchronise units on the ground. Systems such as the Harris AN/PRC-160, used by US forces, are able to resist such jamming thanks to advanced spread spectrum techniques.
Finally, one of the most innovative applications involves the use of drones for electronic warfare operations. Specialised drones, such as the US Navy’s EA-18G Growler, can be used to jam enemy radars and disrupt communication systems without risking the lives of the pilots.
Consequences and impact of electronic warfare
Electronic warfare has direct consequences on the effectiveness of armed forces and can even decide the outcome of a conflict. It makes it possible to neutralise sophisticated weapons systems, deceive the enemy and create windows of opportunity for air, land or naval strikes. For example, destroying anti-aircraft radars allows an army to carry out strikes with its fighters or bombers without fear of immediate reprisals.
The consequences are not only military, but also economic. Electronic warfare systems, although indispensable, are extremely expensive to develop and maintain. For example, specialised aircraft such as the EA-18G Growler cost around €80 million** per unit. In addition, the development of these technologies requires considerable technological and human resources, which can represent a challenge for countries with more modest military budgets.
However, these costs are often justified by the strategic advantages offered by electronic warfare. The ability to destabilise adversary networks and protect its own systems is an undeniable asset for any modern army. The success of this technology in several recent conflicts, notably in Syria and Ukraine, shows that electronic warfare has become a central element of military doctrine.
Electronic warfare in future conflicts
With the rapid development of technology, electronic warfare will continue to play a central role in future conflicts. Weapon systems are becoming increasingly dependent on digital communications and electromagnetic networks, making electronic warfare even more crucial. Advances in artificial intelligence and cyberdefence will open up new opportunities to disrupt adversary systems while strengthening the protection of national systems.
In addition, the increasing use of satellites for communications and navigation exposes new vulnerabilities. Military powers are investing massively in space capabilities to protect their satellites and counter the electromagnetic attacks that could disable these critical infrastructures.