Approved work: Electronic Warfare

Electronic warfare can be defined as the use of electromagnetic energy for military operations, to hinder an adversary or to enhance one’s own capabilities. It can be applied to a broad range of electromagnetic frequencies including, radio waves, microwaves and infrared. It can be used to disrupt or enhance many critical systems such as communications (including satellite and mobile signals), situational awareness technologies (such as radar and infrared imaging), and position, navigation and timing systems (for example, GPS).

This POSTnote will explain what electronic warfare is and how it is being used internationally. It will also consider the potential challenges it raises for the UK’s armed forces and civil infrastructure, and how these risks might be mitigated.