Grey-zone tactics are being employed by the likes of China, as it pushes the boundaries of coercion without resorting to firing weapons. Imagine scenarios such as those occurring in the South China Sea at the moment, as Chinese maritime militia vessels – essentially fishing vessels crewed by statesponsored personnel staking claims on others’ maritime territory – swarm Second Thomas or Sabina Shoals. How can they be thwarted?
Electronic warfare (EW) offers one avenue.
By jamming radars and communications on these “fishing boats”, their ability to monitor, share intelligence and to coordinate movements and resistance would significantly diminish. Furthermore, such EW methods avoid kinetic effects, so it is essentially fighting grey-zone tactics with like for like. However, it is the realm of EW in conventional conflicts that is preoccupying the thoughts of Australian military planners at present.
The focus of this article is Australia’s EW capabilities, a difficult feat when the Department of Defence and many companies eschew publicity about their programs! Nonetheless, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is receiving a shot in the arm as various programs fructify in terms of electronic attack, electronic support and electronic protection.
This is an excerpt from APDR. To read the full article, click here.
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