The war in Ukraine has underscored the crucial role of Electronic Warfare (EW) in contemporary conflicts, demonstrating that air superiority is no longer a given and that the electromagnetic spectrum is a highly contested domain. EW capabilities have been a critical enabler in the conflict, necessitating a full spectrum of Suppression and Destruction of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD/DEAD) capabilities. The effectiveness of EW has prompted NATO to learn from the conflict and exploit existing capabilities while accelerating the development of new ones, as evidenced by Ukraine's capture and sharing of high-value Russian EW assets with allied nations.
EW plays a significant role in the air littoral space — a critical zone between ground forces and high-altitude aircraft where strikes are conducted, intelligence is gathered, and propaganda is disseminated. EW, cyber, and space warfare are essential for successful information operations in this space. The use of jammers, which disrupt the link between drones and their operators or GPS signals, and other countermeasures like spoofing and dazzling, is every day in targeting drones and loitering munitions.
The conflict has also driven the US Army to prioritize its EW development, with programs like the Terrestrial Layer System to provide troops with integrated cyber, EW, and signals intelligence capabilities. These developments reflect a broader trend in modern warfare, where electromagnetic spectrum control is critical for weapons guidance, communication, and enemy suppression.
Ukraine's EW capabilities have significantly improved since 2015, employing encrypted communications gear and exporting some of its technology. Despite early setbacks, Russia's EW efforts have been adjusted to minimize disruption to their communications. The continuous adaptation on both sides highlights the cat-and-mouse nature of EW in modern warfare.
In conclusion, EW has become an indispensable tool in the Russia-Ukraine war, shaping not just military strategies but also the future development of defense technologies. The lessons learned from the conflict will likely influence NATO's EW doctrine, training, and capabilities development for years.
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