[CLASSIFICATION - e.g., SECRET//NOFORN]

PILOT POCKET GUIDE: EW THREAT IDENTIFICATION & RESPONSE
AREA OF OPERATIONS: EAST ASIA (2001 Baseline)

SECTION 2.4: JAMMING TECHNIQUES – PRECISION MATTERS (TARGETED VS. BARRAGE)

1. PURPOSE: To understand the fundamental difference between targeted (spot/narrowband) jamming and barrage (broadband) jamming, and why current doctrine emphasizes the former for most tactical applications. This knowledge aids in understanding friendly Electronic Attack (EA) effects and potential limitations.

2. JAMMING TECHNIQUES DEFINED:

• a. Targeted Jamming (Spot / Narrowband / Barrage): This technique concentrates jamming energy onto a specific, known enemy frequency, channel, or a very narrow band of frequencies used by a particular threat system (e.g., a specific SAM fire control radar frequency, a known enemy command frequency).

  • Analogy: Think of it as using a laser pointer – precise and focused on the intended target.
  • Mechanism: Often involves analyzing the threat signal (via RWR/ESM) and tailoring the jamming response to be most effective against that specific signal type and frequency. Systems like those found on dedicated EA platforms (e.g., EA-6B Prowler) or advanced self-protect pods excel at this.

• b. Barrage Jamming (Broadband): This technique spreads jamming energy across a wide range of frequencies simultaneously, attempting to deny use of an entire segment of the electromagnetic spectrum.

  • Analogy: Think of it as using a floodlight – illuminating a wide area, but less intensely at any single point.
  • Mechanism: Less sophisticated, requires less specific threat knowledge, essentially overpowering a broad frequency range with noise. Can be effective when specific threat frequencies are unknown or rapidly changing, but comes at a significant cost.

3. DOCTRINAL PREFERENCE: TARGETED JAMMING

This command strongly favors the use of Targeted Jamming techniques whenever feasible. While Barrage Jamming has its place (primarily in overwhelming unsophisticated threats or when specific parameters are unknown), its significant drawbacks often outweigh its benefits in a complex electromagnetic environment like East Asia.

4. THE PROBLEM WITH BARRAGE JAMMING: ELECTRONIC FRATRICIDE & INEFFICIENCY

The primary reason for avoiding indiscriminate Barrage Jamming is its high potential for Electronic Fratricide – negatively impacting friendly systems:

• Friendly Communications Interference: Broadband noise can easily jam critical friendly UHF/VHF voice communications, disrupting Command and Control (C2), tactical coordination, and safety-of-flight calls. Loss of comms isolates assets and severely degrades mission effectiveness.
• Friendly Sensor Degradation: Barrage jamming can blind or degrade friendly Electronic Support Measures (ESM) receivers and even friendly Radar Warning Receivers (RWRs). If our own sensors are overwhelmed by friendly jamming, we lose situational awareness of actual enemy threats.
• Friendly Radar/Datalink Interference: High-power broadband jamming can potentially interfere with friendly radar systems and datalinks (e.g., Link 16, though less susceptible, is not immune to massive interference).
• Inefficient Power Use: Spreading power across a wide band means less power is directed at the actual threat frequency, potentially making the jamming less effective against the intended target compared to a focused spot jam.
• Broadcasts Presence: A powerful broadband jammer announces its presence across a wide spectrum, potentially revealing the jamming platform’s location or the general axis of attack to enemy SIGINT.

5. ADVANTAGES OF TARGETED JAMMING:

• Precision: Focuses maximum power where it’s needed – on the specific threat frequency.
• Efficiency: Uses available power more effectively.
• Reduced Fratricide: Significantly minimizes interference with friendly comms and sensors operating on different frequencies.
• Sophistication: Allows for advanced techniques (e.g., deception jamming using DRFM) tailored to specific threat radar modes.

6. PILOT IMPLICATIONS:

• Understand Friendly EA: Be aware that friendly jamming (standoff or escort) is likely employing targeted techniques. Expect specific enemy systems (e.g., a particular SAM radar) to be degraded, but don’t assume the entire spectrum is jammed.
• Coordinate: Clear communication and adherence to SPINS/briefed EW plans are essential to deconflict friendly EA and ensure its effectiveness without hindering other operations.
• Report Interference: If you suspect friendly jamming is impacting your systems unexpectedly, report it immediately through appropriate channels.

BOTTOM LINE: Precision in Electronic Attack is key. Targeted jamming maximizes effect on the enemy while minimizing impact on friendly forces. Understand this principle to better integrate with, and benefit from, friendly EA support.

[CLASSIFICATION - e.g., SECRET//NOFORN]