Electronic countermeasures

Ever since World War II, the major military powers have been waging a silent war for control of the “airwaves,” through electronic countermeasures (ECM). Techniques have emerged for disrupting either enemy communications or radar. Infrared and laser systems have been developed to detect or locate targets, guide missiles, or direct artillery fire. With mastery over the airwaves, one side could defeat a more powerful enemy by disrupting the electronic systems that modern military forces depend on.