The war between Russia and Ukraine and China’s defense modernization efforts are fuelling the interest of Western militaries to upgrade the negligent elements of their cyberwarfare capabilities. There is a lot to revitalize this combating field.
Electronic warfare of the highest quality (EW) is again on the agenda.
In the past two decades of combat against the insurgency with United States forces and allies in Iraq and Afghanistan, The main concentration of EW was on thwarting the improvised explosive devices.
But Russia’s latest military operations in Ukraine, as well as China’s ongoing modernization of its military, are bringing back enthusiasm in the US, Asia, and Europe to improve their capability to regulate and disrupt all aspects of the electromagnetic spectrum. There is still the need to catch up.
EW Assets Usage
Russia has been heavily utilizing EW assets in the conflict in Ukraine. It has employed a variety of GPS jammers and other technologies to stop Kyiv’s uncrewed aerial vehicles and guided munitions.
Russia has used EW systems in the front line to deter Ukraine’s ongoing counter-offensive. However, the size of the front line implies that there are some areas in which support doesn’t extend, according to Ukraine. The US has, in turn, provided Kyiv RTX AGM-88 high-speed anti-radiation missiles to increase Ukrainian EW capabilities.
China has, in turn, increased its efforts to be a mighty electromagnetic spectrum battle power. Several years ago, it promoted the group responsible for EW operations.
Taiwanese Defense Ministry
The Taiwanese defense ministry has revealed it has been informed that China had flown J-16D escort jammers as part of several force packages that have entered its air defense zones of identification.
The Pentagon further states that China is developing space-based countermeasures EW systems, which include satellite jammers. In addition, the People’s Liberation Army Navy is scheduled to get the J-15D, a two-seat fighter capable of carrying Electronic Intelligence Gathering pods.
Power Of Buying
The threat is driving the modernization of EW capabilities in other countries. In the past year, Poland has ordered two intelligence ships to monitor signals. They are scheduled to be delivered in 2027.
The cutting of the steel was completed on the 27th of April, the day that prime contractor Saab stated. The first of the vessels was the ORP Jerzy Rozycki, built by Poland’s Remontowa Shipbuilding.
Germany plans to replace its Tornado electronic surveillance and combat aircraft to suppress Air Defence (SEAD) jobs. It is believed that the Luftwaffe has 20 special-purpose Tornados in its inventory, according to military Balance information. Germany has stated that it plans to replace them with 15 modified Eurofighters.
The German defense procurement agency has chosen Saab to supply the EW package built on the Arexis system used for the Gripen E/F.
The upgraded Eurofighters are scheduled to use an AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile, an improved version of High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile – though the aircraft will also come with stand-off jamming capabilities.
The designers, including German artificial intelligence firm Helsing, will aim for an operational launch date 2028.
Japan Modernization Efforts
Japan has stated that it intends to upgrade the one C-2 transport aircraft to become an off-road EW platform primarily focused on jamming.
The aircraft will complement the RC-2 E-Intelligence Aircraft that the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force operates.
Modernization efforts are underway for the US Air Force Compass Call. The jamming of aircraft fleets is also developing.
The first flight of EC-37B, the upgraded Gulfstream G550 business jet now equipped with mission-specific equipment, was conducted in May. Meanwhile, the US Navy is working to improve the EA-18G Growler to replace the ALQ-99 jamming mechanism with the Next Generation Jammer Low Band system.
Work To Do
However, The amount of activity might differ from threats in specific regions.
Although Germany has been working to adapt the Eurofighter to the SEAD function, Europe more broadly appears to have a low investment in EW and is likely to depend upon the US in the EA-18G fleet.
EW isn’t yet able to be a sufficient part of military plans in different areas. Specific EW experts are concerned that, in addition to other concerns, there isn’t enough thought focused on securing connections that support information sharing when militaries embark on digital transformation strategies.
Another issue to consider is space and whether enough advancements are being made in applying EW in the emerging warfare domain and in the sense of safeguarding the capabilities of friendly forces or degrading an enemy’s capabilities.
