Live Webinar: Impact of 5G on Electronic Warfare Systems

Since 5G will provide improved data rate with reduced latency, it will enhance many military functions, particularly remote testing and control applications. To date, the application of 5G has been largely limited to the lower frequency bands because of the high propagation losses at millimeter wave (MMW) frequencies. However, the full benefits of 5G will come with the use the MMW band. Thus, future hostile military 5G systems can be expected to involve large numbers of networked devices connected by highly directional links which incorporate phased arrays with many elements. It will also involve short links because of high propagation losses. Long range applications will require cooperative operation between MMW and lower frequency links.

This webinar will deal with MMW propagation and then discuss the expected trends in EW systems and operations at these frequencies. Clearly, 5G will bring significant challenges to Electronic Warfare operations, particularly when its operation matures into millimeter wave. Thus, EW operations will require employment of networked sensors and jammers to be able to penetrate MMW links for intercept and jamming. Also, important will be operation against lower frequency signals which control higher frequency signals.