Electromagnetic Warfare (EW), also referred to as Electronic Warfare, is a structured use of the electromagnetic spectrum-radio waves and microwaves amongst other frequencies-for detection, disruption, deceit, or denial of enemy communications and radar systems. It is a very important form of military operations employing multiple methods in offense and defense.

Main Components of Electromagnetic Warfare
1. Electronic Attack (EA)
- It involves offensive action that degrades or destroys an adversary's equipment via electromagnetic energy.
- Examples include:
- Jamming: strong signal transmission to interfere with the radar, communications, or GPS systems of enemies.
- EMP: a burst of electromagnetic energy that might disable electronic devices and systems.
- Spoofing: The process entails the transmission of spurious signals for misleading enemy sensors or radar.

2. Electronic Protection (EP)
- Defensive measures contribute to protecting friendly systems against electronic attacks.
- Examples:
- Frequency Hopping: Switching frequencies at extremely high speed so that interference cannot occur.
- Shielding: The method involves using materials that block or dampen electromagnetic interference.
- Encryption: Protecting communications against intercept and spoofing.

3. Electronic Support (ES)
- This involves the use of sensors to detect, identify, and locate the sources of enemy electromagnetic signals.
- Examples:
- Radar Warning Receivers (RWR): Systems that would provide warnings to an aircraft on the approach of a radar signal.
- Signals Intelligence (SIGINT): Intelligence from enemy communications and radar emissions.

Types of EW
1. Radar Jamming: Interfering with and confusing enemy radar to 'blind' it against the detection of aircraft or vehicles.
2. Communication Jamming: Jamming or interfering with enemy radios.
3. Counter-IED (Improvised Explosive Devices): The use of electronic signals to disable or destroy remote-controlled bombs.
4. Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs): Using focused electromagnetic energy-lasers or microwaves, for example-to destroy or disable targets.

Importance of Electromagnetic Warfare
- Information Superiority: Owning the electromagnetic spectrum is a strategic enabler, in that it provides secure communications while denying it to the adversary.
- Force Protection: Guards friendly forces against electronic threats and increases efficiency in weapon systems.
- Precision Attacks: Increasing precision of weapons by providing targeting information with accuracy.

Examples of Electromagnetic Warfare in Action
- Operation Desert Storm (1991): The U.S. used extensive electronic jamming to disable Iraqi radar and communication systems.
- Russia-Ukraine Conflict (2022): Both sides have used electromagnetic warfare tactics, including GPS jamming and drone spoofing.