Iran Examines Strategies to Counter Electromagnetic Warfare Threat
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, a recent analysis details a hypothetical electromagnetic warfare (EW) attack scenario that could severely compromise Iran’s infrastructure and defense capabilities. The report, authored by Hossein Mohammadi Kia, Deputy of Economic and Cultural Diplomacy at the International Relations Think Tank, emphasizes the need for Iran to develop comprehensive strategies to counter such threats.
The hypothetical attack unfolds in three phases, potentially leading to a total collapse within 30 minutes.
Phase 1: Total Blackout (0-5 minutes): A coordinated strike involving thousands of high-powered microwave (HPM) systems deployed from enemy ships, drones, and satellites would target power grids, communication towers, and command centers. This would result in the destruction of transformers and electronic control units, causing widespread disruption of the national power grid, GPS systems, and radar capabilities.
Phase 2: Command Paralysis (5-15 minutes): Electronic warfare tactics would be employed to jam VHF/UHF frequencies, deceive AESA radars, and hack drones. These actions would sever C4I (command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence) links, rendering effective decision-making impossible for commanders.
Phase 3: Cognitive Occupation (15-30 minutes): Cognitive operations involving the dissemination of fake 5G signals, hacking of social media networks, and targeted neuroweapons attacks would be initiated. Public opinion would be manipulated, and commanders would face critical information deficits, leaving Iranian oil and nuclear facilities vulnerable to enemy drone, missile, and aircraft attacks.
The report proposes a 10-year plan to transform Iran into a global leader in spectrum warfare through five key initiatives:
- Establish a National Spectrum Authority: Create an independent organization to manage the electromagnetic spectrum (9 kHz to 300 GHz), monitor threats, and implement automated AI-driven responses with human oversight.
- Develop Indigenous HPM Weapons: Develop Iranian high-powered microwave weapons (100 kW) to neutralize drones and quantum radars resistant to interference, offering accuracy down to 0.1 meters at a range of 200 kilometers.
- Establish an Invisible Communication Network: Implement secure laser space communications (FSO) and quantum networks with domestic EMS satellites to ensure comprehensive airspace coverage.
- Enhance Cognitive Defense and AI Capabilities: Develop systems to detect deepfakes and counter enemy psychological operations (psyops) while training specialized personnel and AI for battlefield decision-making.
- Secure the Wave Supply Chain: Facilitate the domestic transfer of semiconductor material expertise and the production of gallium nitride (GaN) for radars and lithium-sulfur batteries for drones, circumventing sanctions through widespread government and public support.
The report concludes that Iran is currently vulnerable to electromagnetic warfare due to its traditional command structure and reliance on conventional weaponry such as missiles, drones, and artillery.
If Iran embraces a spectrum-centric doctrine, by 2035, the nation could possess a C4ISR command structure incorporating AI, complete spectrum dominance, and would export HPM weapons, quantum technologies, and microwave technology.
The author stresses that while a ‘Day Zero’ scenario is preventable through sustained, substantial investment, delays in addressing these vulnerabilities could result in the realization of such an attack by 2035. If Iran strengthens its capabilities, it could become a major exporter of wave warfare technology in the region and globally, similar to its current role in drone technology.
