Modern Electromagnetic Spectrum Battlefield From EMS Global Supremacy to Local Superiority

As defined in the Joint Doctrine Note 3-16, the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) is "the range of all frequencies of electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation consists of oscillating electric and magnetic fields characterized by frequency and wavelength." This radiation has fa...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inPrism (Washington, D.C.) Vol. 9; no. 3; pp. 122 - 139
Main Authors Ricciardi, Stéphane, Souque, Cédric
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Washington Institute for National Strategic Security, National Defense University 01.01.2021
National Defense University Press
Subjects
Aircraft
Armed forces
Battlefields
Competition
Electromagnetic radiation
Electronic warfare
FEATURES
Intelligence
Intelligence gathering
Internet of Things
Military operations
Radar
Radiation
Radio communications
Remote sensing
Satellite communications
Telecommunications systems
United States > US
China
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Summary:As defined in the Joint Doctrine Note 3-16, the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) is "the range of all frequencies of electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation consists of oscillating electric and magnetic fields characterized by frequency and wavelength." This radiation has fascinating properties: it can be visible or invisible, move at speeds approaching that of light, cross certain obstacles or, on the contrary, bounce off them (thus indicating their presence), transport energy or data. Considered today as a strategic domain in its own right, EMS is at the heart of modern military operations and is the essential link between the land, air, naval, space, and even cyber domains. At the base of all operational functions (remote sensing telecommunications, navigation, etc.), it also enables the delivery of offensive or defensive effects through electronic warfare (EW) or signal intelligence (SIGINT). Unfortunately, the increasing complexity and congestion of the electromagnetic environment (EME), as well as the emergence or return of competitors who have made great efforts regarding EMS capabilities, seem today to call into question Western domination in this area.
ISSN:2157-0663
2157-0671