Thayer Electronic Warfare in The Indo-Pacific

Thayer Consultancy Background Brief:
ABN # 65 648 097 123

Electronic Warfare in the Indo-
Pacific
May 5, 2023
Questions:
Q1. Can you provide some insights into the specific threats that are driving the need
for Electronic Warfare (EW) technology in the Indo-Pacific region?
ANSWER: There are two major categories of threats driving electronic warfare in the
Indo-Pacific Region. The first is China’s rising military power, preparations for
“intelligentized warfare,” and assertiveness in the East and South China Seas. The
second threat arises from disruptive technologies – the networking of artificial
intelligence, autonomous systems, quantum computing, big data – that extend
beyond the land, sea and air domains to include space and cyber domains to target
not only military assets but the domestic economy, public opinion and critical
infrastructure of regional states.
Q2. How have recent developments in EW technology changed the way militaries
approach and prioritize their Electronic Warfare capabilities?
ANSWER: Most advanced states and regional middle powers have established
dedicated cyber commands within their table of organisation. The list includes
Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, North Korea, Philippines, Russia,
South Korea, United States and Vietnam. These commands are now the first line of
defence in terms of warning time and quick response.
States are creating “networks of networks” that function vertically and horizontally.
The vertical network operates on the basis of the commander’s intent and discretion
of mission commanders down the chain of command. The horizonal networks
attempts to link a nation’s various military services and relevant security and civilian
agencies in real time, enabling both defensive and offensive employment of EW.
The key for advanced militaries is quick reaction to dominate the electromagnetic
spectrum and penetrate, manipulate, disrupt, and degrade the opponent’s decision
making cycle and kill chain.
Q3. How are regional militaries working together to enhance their EW capabilities and
address shared security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region?
ANSWER: AUKUS (Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) collaboration
is based on two pillars. The first pillar is the provision of nuclear powered submarines
to Australia. The second pillar is the development of critical technologies for war
2
fighting, including cyber, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. These

technologies focus on unmanned and stealth undersea platforms.
The Five Eyes intelligence group (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom and
the United States) are collaborating closely in signals intelligence and cyber security.
Q4. Can you provide any insights into how the acquisition and development of EW
technology is impacting the broader defense industry in the Indo-Pacific region, and
what this means for future military operations and tactics?
ANSWER: There are four aspects that affect national defence industries in the Indo-
Pacific. The first aspect is the modification of current legacy platforms and equipment
with new and emerging technologies. For example the U.S. F-16 has been ungraded
with the Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite to seek out, counter and destroy
enemy sensors and weapons.
The second aspect, is the development of new offensive and defensive weapons and
platforms, such as drones and unmanned autonomous platforms and counter
hypersonic technologies.
The third aspect is the emergence of smaller niche defence industries that develop
special technologies such as sensors or that promote networking among weapon
systems.
The fourth aspect is increased collaboration among defence industries by countries
that are closely allied to maximize their synergies and to ensure safe and reliable
supply chains.
Suggested citation: Carlyle A. Thayer, “Electronic Warfare in the Indo-Pacific,” Thayer

Consultancy Background Brief, May 5, 2023. All background briefs are posted on
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Thayer Consultancy provides political analysis of current regional security issues and
other research support to selected clients. Thayer Consultancy was officially
registered as a small business in Australia in 2002.

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Thayer Consultancy Background Brief:

ABN # 65 648 097 123

fighting, including cyber, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. These

Suggested citation: Carlyle A. Thayer, “Electronic Warfare in the Indo-Pacific,” Thayer

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