Dstl pushes limits of electromagnetic warfare  

Known as ‘Spectral Prophet’, the trial demonstrated prototype electromagnetic (EM) activities that combined previously separate disciplines, as well as emerging EM technology including deception and countermeasures for both offensive and defensive capacities. According to Dstl, the trial was a vital glimpse into the future of ‘invisible war’, where data from sensors, radio frequency (RF) transceivers and battlefield weaponry combine to give commanders greater strategic awareness.

“There is no point us planning a really good electromagnetic deception if our own communications goes and gives it away,” said Dstl Spectral Prophet technical lead, ‘Jon’.

“Or there’s no point us doing electronic attack if we don’t have the surveillance asset. So what we’re doing is synchronising and coordinating all those different parts so that the commander can fight in the electromagnetic spectrum in a really integrated way.”

Gaining supremacy by degrading and defeating an enemy’s command and control systems provides strategic advantage. As a result, Dstl believes that EM is as crucial to warfighting as any of the traditional domains.

“EMA (electromagnetic activities) isn’t going to win you the battle, but if you don’t do it, it will you lose you the battle,” said ‘Ed’, Integrated EMA Optimisation at Dstl.

Spectral Prophet was supported by a range of suppliers from prime contractors, small and medium sized enterprises and academia. The results of the trial will help inform decisions around the Strategic Defence and Security Review and demonstrate how new capability can be integrated more rapidly and efficiently. Conceptual architectures and specific technologies have been developed to experiment with and de-risk this integration, as well as to identify lessons and requirements for subsequent procurements.

“The trial and supporting programme draws on years of Ministry of Defence Chief Scientific Adviser funded research,” said ‘Jon’.

“We have funded a lot of work, for example, our university-based EM Hub. We’re building UK skills which supports the government’s growth agenda.”