Modern warfare’s new weapon…, can take down Rafale, F-35, S-400 in one strike, win wars in minutes, it can detect, block and even alter communication, it is…

Experts believe that the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) is now as important as land, sea, and air in modern warfare. The nation that controls EMS will naturally hold the upper hand in battle.

In today’s digital age, the way wars are fought is changing rapidly. The electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) has become a critical part of modern warfare as it can detect, block, or even alter communication and radar signals, are now just as important as tanks, missiles, and fighter jets. For India, this has become even more important because of rising tensions at the borders, rapid militarization by neighboring countries, and new challenges like drones, hypersonic missiles, and cyber-electromagnetic attacks. Through electronic warfare, even advanced systems like Rafale and F-35 fighter jets or modern radars can be jammed or hacked.

India’s journey in electronic warfare began in the 1980s and 1990s with limited imports and small-scale local projects. But in the past decade, research by DRDO, the growing needs of the armed forces, and partnerships with private companies have given a big boost to this field.

Now, many private companies like Tata Advanced Systems, L&T Defence, Data Patterns, and Centum Electronics are also playing an active role in strengthening India’s electronic warfare capabilities.

Electronic warfare to have a market value of USD 25 billion by 2028

The global electronic warfare (EW) market is expected to touch USD 25 billion by 2028, with the Asia-Pacific region growing the fastest. India’s share in this growth is also expected to rise sharply. The country is already working on military modernization projects worth over USD 1.5 lakh crore, many of which are focused on electronics-enabled systems. The government has also made the domestic production of several EW devices mandatory under its Positive Indigenization List. Special budget allocations have been made for network-centric warfare. Experts believe that the Indian EW market could grow by 8-10 per cent annually over the next five years.

Government policies and support in global electronic warfare

Policies like the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP 2020) and the Positive Indigenization List are boosting local manufacturing. Additionally, schemes like the PLI program for electronics and semiconductors and the setup of semiconductor fabs in Gujarat and Karnataka are helping strengthen India’s base for this high-tech industry.

India started exporting electronic warfare

India has already started exporting electronic warfare (EW) equipment to countries in Southeast Asia and Africa. The government aims to boost defense exports to Rs. 35,000 crore by 2025, with EW playing a major role in this growth.

A clear example of India’s growing EW power came during Operation Sindoor, where Indian forces electronically disabled Pakistani radar systems. This allowed Indian fighter jets to destroy terrorist hideouts in Pakistan within minutes, showing how electronic warfare is reshaping modern battles.

Experts believe that the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) is now as important as land, sea, and air in modern warfare. The nation that controls EMS will naturally hold the upper hand in battle.

HIGHLIGHTS

1. The electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) has become as critical in warfare as tanks, missiles, and fighter jets.
2. For India, its importance is rising due to border tensions, rapid militarization by neighboring nations, and new-age threats like drones, hypersonic missiles, and cyber-electromagnetic attacks.
3. Electronic warfare (EW) can jam or hack even advanced systems such as Rafale and F-35 fighter jets or modern radar networks.
4. The global EW market is projected to reach USD 25 billion by 2028, with the Asia-Pacific region leading the growth.