Reference Message Network reported on May 17 that according to a report on the Forbes magazine website on May 15, before the onset of hostilities, armies have traditionally put on a show of force and deployed large numbers of troops on the battlefield to deter opponents. Ancient wars were characterized by loud shouting, shield beating, and ritualized dances. In modern warfare, tanks and artillery have played this role.

The race to deploy electronic warfare systems

Last month, when India and Pakistan prepared for war, they demonstrated the latest evolution of this practice - deploying electronic warfare systems. This move reflects the new face of modern warfare, where battles extend into the electronic domain.

As we have seen in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, electronic warfare technology plays a decisive role on the battlefield. These systems interfere with a range of electronic signals, including those used for communication, radar, and navigation. They often block global positioning system (GPS) signals, disrupt the control links of drones and missiles, disrupt ground and air communications, and weaken radars supporting air defense networks. By deploying electronic warfare systems at the border, both India and Pakistan displayed their military strength while weakening each other's offensive and defensive capabilities.

On April 22, a gun attack targeting tourists in the Indian-controlled Kashmir region left at least 26 people dead. Following the incident, India took the initiative to deploy several electronic warfare systems along the border, primarily the "Samyukta" system, consisting of 145 vehicles covering more than 10,000 square kilometers. Developed independently by India in 2004, this system can conduct electronic surveillance, direction finding, and interference with communication and radar signals. India's other electronic warfare weapons include the "Simha Shakti" interference system for mountainous terrain and the "Spectra" integrated electronic warfare system that can be integrated into the "Rafale" fighter jets.

Pakistan quickly responded by deploying its own electronic warfare systems to the front lines. For example, the DWL002 passive detection radar system - unlike traditional radar, it detects and tracks aerial threats by receiving electronic signals. Pakistan also deployed several commercial-grade GPS jammers aimed at disrupting India's drones and missiles. Additionally, Pakistan's fighters carried advanced electronic warfare equipment. It was reported that these devices disrupted the control systems of India's "Rafale" fighter jets flying along the Line of Control on April 29.

Great impact on military outcomes

Although the deployment of electronic warfare capabilities by both countries in this manner may seem unusual, it aligns with modern military theory. Both the Indian and Pakistani militaries have established multi-layered defense networks to counter aircraft, missiles, and artillery that obstruct ground advances. These defenses typically include electronic warfare systems used to detect and interfere with incoming missiles and aircraft.

Meanwhile, electronic warfare has become the preferred method to breach these multi-layered defense networks. It can interfere with radar systems supporting air defense networks, making them targets for aircraft and missile attacks. Once the enemy's air defense systems are disabled, the country's forces gain temporary air superiority, enabling further missile and air strikes with minimal resistance.

Electronic warfare systems also interfere with communications, making it difficult for opponents to coordinate responses, issue warnings, or launch counterattacks. Additionally, the deployment of these systems has psychological effects. They are expensive and usually confidential, so their deployment indicates that major attacks may be imminent.

On May 7, India launched a series of air and missile strikes against Pakistan, which responded with countermeasures. Both sides tested their electronic warfare equipment. Although the true effectiveness of these systems remains unclear, both India and Pakistan claimed that their electronic warfare systems played a key role in this conflict. The Indian military claimed that they successfully interfered with Pakistan's air defense systems, allowing the Indian Air Force to strike Pakistani targets. Meanwhile, Pakistan claimed that its electronic warfare systems contributed to the downing of India's "Rafale" fighter jets.

As we have seen in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the recent India-Pakistan conflict further highlights the growing importance of electronic warfare in determining military outcomes. While physical strikes were made using aircraft and missiles, India's offensive actions heavily relied on the effective use of electronic warfare systems. Pakistan's defense similarly utilized its own electronic warfare systems. These systems have become an important part of modern battlefields, providing value comparable to armored vehicles and artillery.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7505287977329754658/

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