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Warfare, Electronic

Electronic warfare is the employment of the electromagnetic spectrum for defensive and offensive military purposes. Electronic warfare is practiced by ground, sea, and air forces. It consists of three main subdivisions: (1) electronic attack, (2) electronic protection, and (3) electronic warfare support.

Electronic Attack

Electronic attack employs directed energy weapons to attack military and civilian equipment and installations. Directed energy weapons use electromagnetic and laser radiation.

Electromagnetic-Directed Energy Weapons

Electromagnetic radiation is employed to directly attack electronic circuitry. The use of electromagnetic radiation for this purpose exploits a scientific phenomenon known as the electromagnetic pulse (EMP).

The EMP was observed as an effect resulting from the first detonation of an atomic weapon during the Trinity test by the United States on July 16, 1945. The EMP had been anticipated, and ...

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