Electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO) testing

Electromagnetic warfare operations and EMSO

Electromagnetic warfare (EW) is a critical aspect of modern military strategy. It encompasses a range of tactic and technologies that are designed to use the EMS to one’s advantage while impeding an adversary’s capabilities. There are three main components of EW:

• Electromagnetic counter measures (ECM): non-kinetic means to disrupt or neutralize enemy electronic systems (e.g., jamming)
• Electronic protection (EP): safeguarding friendly electronic systems from EA with various countermeasures
• Electronic support (ES): gathering and analyzing electronic signals to provide critical intelligence (e.g., identifying enemy radar installations or intercepting communications)

Radar systems and EMSO

Radar systems are a critical element of EMSO, providing capabilities for sensing, classifying and tracking both friendly and adversarial assets and movement. The EMS is the medium through which radar signals traveling, making it a contested and congested domain where adversaries may attempt to degrade or disrupt radar functionality.

Challenges to radar operations include:

• Electromagnetic countermeasures, such as jamming or saturating with false information, that hinder the radar receiver’s ability to accurately process signals
• Advanced EW techniques, such as the use of digital radio frequency (DRFM) devices which can be used to create false targets and deceive radar systems

The continuous evolution of radar technology and EW tactics highlights the dynamic nature of EMSO. Both offensive and defensive measures are constantly refined in a never-ending game of cat-and-mouse. To gain superiority in the electromagnetic domain, radar systems must be adaptable and resilient, incorporating features such as frequency agility, advanced signal processing and machine learning (ML) algorithms to cope with the ever-changing EW landscape.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and ML into radar and EW technologies marks a significant opportunity for capability advancement. These cognitive systems can analyze vast amounts of spectrum to identify potential threats and deliver effective countermeasures in real time. This not only improves the survivability of the platform but also supports quicker decision making in a high-stakes environment.

Research, development, test & evaluation (RDT&E) of EMSO systems

The V-model is a highly structured software development lifecycle (SDLC) model that is used to streamline the development process of complex systems, such as modern EMSO platforms. It emphasizes a sequential design and testing process in which each development phase has a corresponding testing phase. The main application of the V-model is ensuring that EMSO systems are robust, interoperable and secure from external threats such as EMI and unintentional emissions.

The V-model enables:

• Verification and validation of each component, so that systems meet stringent requirements
• Achievement of necessary resilience and functionality required for effective operation in the dynamic and challenging EW environment
• Integration of complex systems, to ensure interoperability without interference
• Maintaining operational integrity and security in modern defense scenarios

With the aerospace and defense industry for over 50 years

Rohde & Schwarz provides a comprehensive suite of precise measurement tools, crucial for the aerospace and defense industry. With our advanced network analyzers, signal generators, power meters, signal and spectrum analyzers and more, you can thoroughly verify the performance of your EMSO systems. Our equipment is designed for accuracy, versatility and reliability, ensuring optimal functionality of your systems.

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