Abstract
Sophisticated Airborne Electronic Warfare Systems Mitigate Threat from
MANPADS
The proliferation of man portable air defense systems (MANPADS) –
particularly among terrorist organizations – has emerged as a real threat
to both civilian and combat aircraft. Soviet-made MANPADS such as SA-7, SA-14,
SA-16, and SA-18 are extremely popular as they have features to counter active
infrared (IR) jammers. They are easily available in the black market because of
their large-scale exports to many countries. Recently, MANPADS were used against
the U.S. forces that were part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Several helicopters
and some military and civilian transport aircraft were struck by MANPADS
missiles. Alarmed by this, defense forces across the world are upgrading their
already existing electronic warfare (EW) systems and decoys so that they are
capable of identifying and countering ground-to-air and air-to-air attacks while
operating in combat and other potentially hostile environments.
This Frost & Sullivan research on the world EW self-protection systems
and decoys analyzes the world market for five basic types of systems: directed
IR countermeasures (DIRCM), radio frequency (RF) and IR decoys, integrated
systems (internal to platform), missile warning systems (MWS), and jammers. The
research offers a snapshot of the latest global market trends, drivers, and
restraints besides providing revenue forecasts and competitive analysis.
Worldwide Emphasis on Coalition Warfare Raises Demand for EW Systems
Coalition and contingency warfare have taken center stage in recent times,
especially after the start of the war on terror. Apart from the main war,
missions such as policing, peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and prohibition of
drug trafficking have become an integral part of the operations. "Entering
uncontrolled airspace requires robust RF and IR protection capabilities to guard
the smaller fleets of support and utility aircraft that carry troops and
equipment into the hostile territory," says the analyst. However, the type
and level of procurement of such systems by different countries could hinge on
multiple factors such as legislative actions, military reform initiatives,
extent of national security threats, technical capability, and the complexities
of the air fleet.
IR Countermeasure Systems Have Immense Growth Potential
"Lessons learned from conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Chechnya have
shown that threats from IR systems have attained alarming proportions,"
says the analyst. "This has increased the need to develop EW systems
capable of providing IR protection, especially for aircraft operating in
low-level flying environments." The procurement of IR countermeasure (IRCM)
systems is likely to gain momentum in the coming years, leading to overall
market growth. However, the development and sales of RF systems is expected to
remain relatively flat. Another factor that could dampen the market is the
growing importance of ground warfare, which could limit funding opportunities
for airborne EW systems.
However, the urgency and desire to upgrade aging air fleets are likely to
compel countries to seek advanced EW self-protection systems that are critical
to enhance the survival potential of their increasingly expensive airborne
platforms. The United States has already stepped up its focus on developing
integrated systems with an emphasis on IR technology while the rest of the world
remains predominantly focused on system upgrades. This trend is expected to
continue in the foreseeable future. Commercial application of EW technology
could also be a potential growth area due to mounting fear of terrorist strikes
against civil air transportation.
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