Electronic warfare Facts for Kids

The EF-111A Raven is a US electronic warfare aircraft.

Electronic warfare (EW) is a special part of military operations. It uses electronics and technology to control the battlefield. Imagine a game of hide-and-seek, but with radio waves and computer signals! EW helps military forces see what the enemy is doing. It can also stop the enemy from seeing or hearing them.

What is Electronic Warfare?
- How Does Electronic Warfare Work?
- Why is Electronic Warfare Important?
  - Using Missiles in EW
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What is Electronic Warfare?

Electronic warfare involves many different techniques. These techniques help a country's military gain an advantage. It's like a high-tech game of chess. One side tries to outsmart the other using signals and devices.

How Does Electronic Warfare Work?

EW uses special equipment to listen to enemy communications. It can also block enemy radar or radio signals. This makes it hard for the enemy to find or talk to their own forces.

Listening and Spying

One part of EW is called electronic intelligence. This means listening to enemy radio messages. It also involves watching their radar signals. This helps a country learn about the enemy's plans and movements. Sometimes, it even means trying to figure out secret codes. For example, during World War II, British experts worked to understand the German Enigma machine. This helped them read secret German messages.

Blocking and Jamming

Another important part is electronic attack. This is when special equipment sends out strong signals. These signals can block or "jam" enemy radar. They can also stop enemy radios from working. Imagine trying to talk on your phone, but someone is making so much noise you can't hear. That's what jamming does to enemy communications.

Protecting Your Own Forces

Electronic warfare also protects friendly forces. This is called electronic protection. It makes sure that a country's own radar and communication systems keep working. It helps them resist enemy jamming or spying. It's like having a shield for your electronic gear.

Why is Electronic Warfare Important?

Electronic warfare is very important in modern conflicts. It helps protect soldiers and equipment. It also gives a country an advantage over its opponents. By controlling the electronic "airwaves," a military can move more safely. They can also attack more effectively.

Using Missiles in EW

Sometimes, special missiles are used in electronic warfare. These missiles, like the AGM-45 Shrike or AGM-88 Harm, don't carry bombs. Instead, they are designed to find and destroy enemy radar systems. If a radar system is destroyed, the enemy can't see incoming aircraft or missiles as easily. This makes the skies safer for friendly planes.

Images for kids

Krasukha, a Russian mobile, ground-based, electronic warfare (EW) system used to jam AWACS and airborne radars on radar-guided missiles.
A right front view of a USAF Boeing E-4 advanced airborne command post (AABNCP) on the electromagnetic pulse (EMP) simulator (HAGII-C) for testing.