// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Irregular Warfare
Irregular warfare is a type of conflict where a state actor fights against a non-state group, such as insurgents or terrorists. The primary focus is on influencing and gaining the support of the local population, rather than simply defeating an enemy force on a traditional battlefield.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Irregular Warfare (IW) is a violent struggle among state and non-state actors for legitimacy and influence over a relevant population. It favors indirect and asymmetric approaches, employing a full range of military and other capacities, to erode an adversary's power, influence, and will, often encompassing counter-insurgency (COIN), counter-terrorism (CT), and unconventional warfare (UW).
BACKGROUND
Irregular warfare (IW) is defined in United States joint doctrine as "a violent struggle among state and non-state actors for legitimacy and influence over the relevant populations" and in U.S. law as "Department of Defense activities not involving armed conflict that support predetermined United States policy and military objectives conducted by, with, and through regular forces, irregular forces, groups, and individuals." In practice, control of institutions and infrastructure is also important. Concepts associated with irregular warfare are older than the term itself.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- asymmetric warfare
- unconventional warfare
- counter-insurgency
- COIN
- gray zone conflict
- low-intensity conflict
- political warfare
USAGE NOTE
This term is used to distinguish conflicts focused on populations and political legitimacy from conventional warfare, which pits state militaries against each other.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Irregular Warfare.
Develops data integration and analysis platforms, such as Gotham, used by intelligence and military agencies to fuse disparate datasets for counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, and threat network analysis.
Specializes in AI-powered autonomous systems for defense, including sensor towers, drones, and command and control software (Lattice OS) designed for persistent surveillance and threat detection in complex environments.
A leading manufacturer of small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and loitering munitions like the Puma, Raven, and Switchblade drones, which provide tactical ISR and precision strike capabilities to small units.
A major provider of advanced technology for Special Operations Forces, including tactical radios, night vision equipment, electronic warfare systems, and ISR sensors crucial for operating in irregular warfare scenarios.
Provides expertise and technology in signals intelligence (SIGINT), electronic warfare, and cyber operations, offering tools and services to identify, track, and counter adversaries in asymmetric conflicts.
Develops technology and provides services in geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), data analytics, and cyber defense, helping military forces understand and influence the human and physical terrain of a complex battlespace.
An innovation hub under contract with United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) that prototypes and experiments with novel technologies to solve special operations forces' unique challenges in irregular warfare.
Manufacturer of the MQ-9 Reaper and other remotely piloted aircraft that have become a cornerstone of persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike operations in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism campaigns.