Technology has fundamentally shifted modern warfare to an invisible battlespace. The ever-increasing reliance on the EMS for communication, surveillance, targeting, and intelligence products means our adversaries are investing heavily in EW and CEMA technology. And so should we. Denying an adversary’s use of the EMS, and protecting our own use, is critical to gaining information advantage and achieving success.
How to fight in a new, complex battlespace
The convergence of cyber and EW has formed a new battlespace where electronic attack can disrupt networks, disable the use of drones, and even manipulate sensors. We must be able to defend our assets against attack, whilst exploiting the vulnerabilities of our adversaries. Modern platforms and equipment have a dependency on GPS for navigation, synchronisation and targeting activities; however, GPS jamming and spoofing can hamper or deny this capability. We need to be able to operate effectively in a GPS denied environment.
A modern multi-threat environment has no geographical boundaries, and threats have become increasingly unclear and complex, making them more difficult to distinguish and defend against. There’s an immediate need to understand and conduct hybrid warfare when required – planning for manoeuvre operations in the EMS is as important as manoeuvre warfare planning. In fact, arguably, it’s more important as this capability may enable you to defeat an adversary before even deploying ground, air or maritime assets.
Neutralise threats at a fraction of the cost
Within a multifaceted environment, remaining ahead of your adversary has never been so crucial to mission success. But it’s perplexing – legacy radar and communication systems, and cyber and satellite communication threats, all converge to give the modern adversary a varied and elaborate suite of communication mediums to conduct operations. Adversaries can target civilian infrastructure, including power grids, banking systems, and communication networks from another country or continent, threatening national security in both military and civilian domains.
Spectrum dominance can neutralise threats at a fraction of the cost of kinetic weapons, but as our adversaries enhance their own capabilities, the UK should increase its use of mission data as a defence capability for countermeasures development activities to protect its platforms. For example, anti-jamming technology, robust communication systems, and the appropriate use of AI to support spectrum management. As warfare evolves even further, kinetic strikes may become a secondary option.
Partnerships necessitate the need for multi-domain operations and integration (MDO/MDI) with allied forces. Investing in advanced spectrum warfare ensures compatibility and effectiveness in future joint operations.
Safeguard national security
Finally, without investment in recruiting, retention, modern equipment and a pipeline of training, the UK won’t have parity with near-peer adversaries who have heavily invested in these capabilities, evolving an arsenal of advanced intercept, locating, jamming, spoofing, and cyber-electromagnetic tools that could disable UK and NATO assets before conventional conflict begins. Investing in initiatives to master this pervasive battlespace isn’t a ‘nice to have’; it’s an essential part of modern military strategy.
Ignoring this new way of warfighting will leave the UK vulnerable. Investment in EW capability must be prioritised to assert strategic dominance, safeguard national security interests, and effectively operate in an increasingly contested electromagnetic battlespace.
A blog by Stuart (Taph) Willumsen, Head of EW and CEMA Training.
Find out more about what we do here
