What Is Electronic Warfare (EW) and How Electronic Warfare Systems Work: Purpose, Types, and Technical Features

What is EW and how the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s electronic warfare systems work

Electronic warfare (EW) is a key element of modern military operations that secures superiority in the electromagnetic spectrum. EW encompasses a wide range of technologies and tactics designed to suppress, deceive, or defend against an adversary’s electronic systems while protecting one’s own communications and navigation assets. This article covers the core principles of EW, its role under modern combat conditions, the technical capabilities of various systems, and prospects for further development.

What is EW?

To understand what EW is, it helps to break down its basic components. Electronic warfare includes intercepting and analyzing radio signals as well as suppressing them. EW also comprises measures to create electromagnetic interference that disrupts enemy systems, including radars, communications, and weapon-control systems.

Main tasks of EW

Electronic warfare is aimed at performing the following tasks:

• Disrupting the operation of the adversary’s communications systems.

• Suppressing radar systems.

• Intercepting and analyzing signals to collect intelligence.

• Protecting one’s own communications systems from electronic effects by the adversary.

By employing EW assets, armed forces can not only neutralize enemy command-and-control systems but also increase the protection of their own units.

Principles of EW systems

EW is based on disrupting and protecting the electromagnetic waves used by the adversary’s systems. The overarching goal is to secure an advantage in the electromagnetic environment by neutralizing enemy signals and safeguarding friendly ones.

EW methods: jamming and deception

One of the most effective methods is signal jamming, in which high-frequency emissions suppress enemy signals, making them difficult or impossible to use. EW systems can also generate decoy (deceptive) signals that mislead the adversary about the real location or actions of friendly forces.

Protection from EW

Beyond offensive measures, EW also includes defensive techniques such as frequency hopping, cryptography, and shielding. These enhance the resilience of friendly systems against electronic attack.

Primary types of EW systems

EW systems can be classified by mission, method of action, and mobility.

• Active EW systems. Use directed signals to suppress enemy systems. Example: jammers that generate strong electromagnetic signals to disrupt communications channels.

• Passive EW systems. Intercept enemy signals for analysis and extraction of tactical information. Because they do not emit, they are less vulnerable.

• Mobile vs. stationary. Mobile systems are mounted on vehicles or deployable platforms for flexibility; stationary systems are typically more powerful and used to protect strategic sites.

Technical characteristics of modern EW systems

Power and frequency range. A key parameter is output power (W), which determines jamming effectiveness. Typical systems range from 50 to 500 W, enabling suppression at significant distances. Operating bands span from several MHz to several GHz, and many modern systems can work simultaneously across multiple frequencies.

Autonomy and power supply. EW assets use both fixed power sources and mobile batteries for field autonomy. Some systems can operate for up to 120 minutes on battery power—important for mobile operations.

Control and cooling. Forced-air cooling and remote control help ensure stable operation and ease of use under combat conditions.

AFU (Armed Forces of Ukraine) EW systems: technical solutions and employment

EW in the Armed Forces of Ukraine plays an important role in current conflicts. Ukrainian forces actively employ modern systems to suppress enemy communications, radars, and drones.

Features of Ukrainian EW. Systems used by the AFU effectively counter various types of UAVs, radar stations, and enemy command-and-control, thereby protecting friendly forces and boosting operational effectiveness.

Examples of EW systems used by the AFU:

• “Dome EW Abwehr KUB MAX.” A universal system for generating electromagnetic interference across a wide band. With 10 modules at 50 W each, it suppresses signals in the 350 MHz to 5.8 GHz range, effectively impacting multiple communications systems and radars.

• “EW against FPV drones.” Specialized complexes tuned to jam FPV-UAV control links and video downlinks. Power 100–450 W, operating frequencies 350–1100 MHz, effective jamming range up to 500–700 m.

• “EW against DJI Mavic UAVs.” A system designed to suppress signals in the 1.5 GHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.8 GHz bands, with a total power of 150 W and an effective range of 150–200 m—well suited to counter small drones at close distances.

EW in modern warfare: role and significance

Contemporary conflicts have reshaped approaches to EW. It is a key component of information warfare, where, alongside physical destruction, the disorganization of enemy command and communications is critical.

Impact on operations. When force management relies on electronic means, suppressing or degrading enemy communications can cause a loss of coordination, reduce effectiveness, and deliver battlefield advantage.

Countering drones and precision strikes. As UAVs and precision weapons proliferate, EW’s importance grows. Disrupting UAV control or navigation can thwart attacks and protect units and infrastructure.

Interoperability with other systems. EW often works in concert with air defense, ISR, and fire-control systems to create a layered defense against threats—from radars to the navigation of precision munitions.

Technical characteristics and use cases

“Dome EW Abwehr KUB MAX.” Built to suppress enemy electronic means across a broad spectrum. Core specs:

• Bands: 350–1050 MHz and up to 5.8 GHz.

• Module power: 50 W.

• Total power: 500 W.

• Battery runtime: up to 120 minutes.

• Remote control unit.

Suitable for both stationary installations and mobile platforms; versatile across mission types.

EW against DJI Mavic UAVs. Built-in dome antennas effectively block control channels at up to 200 m. Parameters:

• Frequencies: 1.5 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz.

• Power: 150 W.

• Battery runtime: up to 40 minutes.

• Mountable on vehicles, tanks, APCs.

EW against FPV drones. Complexes designed to suppress control links to loitering/“kamikaze” drones:

• Frequencies: 350–1100 MHz.

• Power: up to 350 W.

• Jamming range: up to 500–700 m.

• Autonomy: up to 3 hours.

EW as part of modern military strategy

Modern strategy is unthinkable without EW. Operational success often hinges on dominance in the electromagnetic spectrum: controlling not only physical terrain but also the EM environment.

Strategic significance. With technological advances, EW has become not just a tactical tool but an integral part of strategic planning, capable of disrupting the adversary’s critical infrastructure, including civilian communications.

Evolution of EW systems. Over recent decades, EW has moved far beyond simply jamming radars. Modern systems operate across multiple bands at once, integrate with other domains (e.g., cyber defense), and can affect satellite communications.

Role of artificial intelligence. A key development vector is applying AI to automate detection and suppression of hostile signals. AI can analyze large data volumes in real time, improving the speed and effectiveness of threat identification and neutralization.

Future prospects for EW systems

• Greater power, automation, and integration with other weapon systems.

• Global integration. EW systems will increasingly tie into space-based capabilities; space is becoming a new theater where EW can target communications and navigation satellites.

• Automation and AI. Systems that analyze signals and make decisions without operator input will boost speed and precision.

• Energy efficiency and mobility. Development of mobile, energy-efficient systems for field conditions with reduced recharging needs.

Conclusion. EW is a critical element of modern operations, influencing every level of warfare. From tactics to strategy, electronic warfare enables control of the electromagnetic spectrum, protection of friendly systems, and neutralization of enemy capabilities. AFU EW systems already demonstrate high effectiveness, helping defend territory and counter technological threats. Continued development—especially integration with AI and cyber capabilities—will yield even greater effectiveness in future conflicts.