// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM

EW

EW, or Electronic Warfare, involves using the electromagnetic spectrum to detect, deny, degrade, or deceive an enemy's use of electronics, while protecting friendly forces' access to the same. It aims to control the information environment by manipulating radar, communications, and other electronic systems.

EW — illustration from Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

Electronic Warfare (EW) is a military discipline leveraging electromagnetic energy to achieve spectrum superiority, encompassing Electronic Attack (EA) to disrupt adversary systems, Electronic Protection (EP) to safeguard friendly assets, and Electronic Support (ES) for intelligence gathering. EW operations manipulate radar, communications, navigation, and other sensor systems to gain tactical and strategic advantage.

BACKGROUND

Electromagnetic warfare or electronic warfare (EW) is warfare involving the use of the electromagnetic spectrum or directed energy to control the spectrum, attack an enemy, or impede enemy operations. The purpose of electromagnetic warfare is to deny the opponent the advantage of—and ensure friendly unimpeded access to—the EM spectrum. Electromagnetic warfare can be applied from air, sea, land, or space by crewed and uncrewed systems and can target communication, radar, or other military and civilian assets.

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SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • Electronic Warfare
  • ECM
  • ESM
  • EA
  • EP
  • ES
  • Cyber-Electromagnetic Activities

USAGE NOTE

EW is a foundational component of modern military operations, crucial for everything from air defense to intelligence and cyber warfare.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to EW.

  • BAE Systems

    A global leader in electronic warfare, providing advanced EW systems for air, land, and sea platforms, including integrated defensive aids suites and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.

  • Lockheed Martin

    Develops and integrates sophisticated electronic warfare systems for various platforms, focusing on advanced radar, SIGINT, and EW countermeasures to enhance survivability and mission effectiveness.

  • Raytheon Technologies (RTX)

    A major developer of electronic warfare solutions, including advanced jamming, deception, and protection systems for aircraft, naval vessels, and ground forces, critical for spectrum dominance.

  • Northrop Grumman

    Designs, develops, and manufactures a wide range of electronic warfare technologies, including radar warning receivers, electronic countermeasures, and signals intelligence systems for tactical and strategic applications.

  • L3Harris Technologies

    Specializes in integrated electronic warfare systems, signal intelligence (SIGINT), and secure communications solutions, providing spectrum superiority and threat detection capabilities across domains.

  • Saab AB

    Offers a comprehensive portfolio of electronic warfare systems, including self-protection systems for aircraft, electronic intelligence (ELINT) solutions, and electronic attack capabilities for various platforms.

  • Leonardo S.p.A

    Develops advanced electronic warfare systems for airborne, naval, and ground platforms, encompassing radar warning receivers, electronic countermeasures, and electronic intelligence solutions.

  • Elbit Systems

    A prominent provider of electronic warfare suites, including self-protection systems for aircraft, electronic intelligence systems, and directed infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) for defense against missile threats.

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