Modern combat necessitates the use of electronic warfare for Taiwan's defense, claims an expert.
Taiwan Boosts Electromagnetic Warfare Capabilities Amidst PLA Threats
Taiwan is bolstering its defenses against electromagnetic warfare and cyberattacks, as tensions with the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) continue to rise. The island nation is using US-made AGM-88 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missiles and has developed advanced cyber defense systems, EMP protection technologies, and enhanced coordination between its military and cybersecurity agencies.
The PLA has been deepening integration and coordination in its forces, and last year, it established the Information Support Force, an integrated, multi-departmental and inter-platform organization. Retired Lieutenant General Hu Yen-nien, a prominent voice in Taiwan's defense circles, emphasizes the importance of electromagnetic warfare in modern combat. He argues that dominating the radio spectrum and information battlespace, rather than superior firepower, is the decisive factor in modern warfare.
The shuttering of the production of anti-radiation missiles by the US about 10 to 15 years ago has not deterred Taiwan. Modern precision-guided munitions with a circular error probability of 10m or less can reliably hit radar systems, whether they are transmitting radio waves or not. However, Hu proposes that the appropriate amount of effort for hardening the nation's defenses against such attacks must be considered.
Hu also suggests that the armed forces must develop defenses against enemy drones. Uncrewed aerial vehicles cannot conduct reconnaissance, attack, or distraction operations if their navigation, communication, command, and control capabilities lack electronic countermeasures. He suggests that, in addition to buying more drones, the armed forces must develop electronic systems capable of neutralizing opposing drones, disrupting communications, and projecting false targets.
A force that loses the electromagnetic warfare fight is vulnerable to hostile drone operations and would eventually be forced to relinquish the initiative, as per Hu. This vulnerability was highlighted during Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in 2022, when China hacked the websites of the Presidential Office, Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and digital billboards in train stations and convenience stores. The cyberattack likely had a harder psychological blow on Taiwanese than any military drill the PLA has conducted since then, according to former National Security Bureau director-general Lee Shying-jow.
Much of Taiwan's key infrastructure uses automated supervisory control and data acquisition systems, which are susceptible to electromagnetic warfare and cyberwarfare, according to Hu. He suggests that Taiwan should do more to protect government and civilian systems from cyberattacks. Former National Security Bureau director-general Lee Shying-jow agrees, stating that Taiwan needs to focus on strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructures and communication networks.
The PLA also announced the creation of the Army Service Arms University and dedicated schools of information technology and logistics. This move indicates a focus on modernizing its forces and improving its ability to conduct electromagnetic warfare and cyberattacks. As tensions between Taiwan and the PLA continue to escalate, it is clear that both sides are investing heavily in these capabilities.
Read also:
- Lu Shiow-yen's Challenging Position as Chair of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Under Scrutiny in Donovan's Analysis
- Large-scale SEA-EYE rescue operation in the central Mediterranean: 144 individuals saved
- Confidential Data Protection in Medical Field: Defending Vital Patient Data
- Medical professionals call for RKI to advocate for COVID-19 vaccine distribution
