Electronic countermeasure
An electronic countermeasure (ECM) is an electrical or electronic device designed to trick or deceive radar, sonar, or other detection systems, like infrared (IR) or lasers. It may be used both offensively and defensively to deny targeting information to an enemy. The system may make many separate targets appear to the enemy, or make the real target appear to disappear or move about randomly. It is used effectively to protect aircraft from guided missiles. Most air forces use ECM to protect their aircraft from attack. It has also been deployed by military ships and recently on some advanced tanks to fool laser/IR guided missiles. It is frequently coupled with stealth advances so that the ECM systems have an easier job. Offensive ECM often takes the form of jamming. Self-protecting (defensive) ECM includes using blip enhancement and jamming of missile terminal homers.
Inspecting an AN/ALQ-184 Electronic Attack Pod.
Simulated radar screen in US Navy training exercise showing simulated jamming (triangular white area lower right)
Drone counter measures (1st Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment of the US Army drill with the Battelle DroneDefender, 30 October 2018, Iraq.)
German Tornado ECR
Radar is a system that uses radio waves to determine the distance (ranging), direction, and radial velocity of objects relative to the site. It is a radiodetermination method used to detect and track aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, map weather formations, and terrain.
Long-range radar antenna, used to track space objects and ballistic missiles
Radar of the type used for detection of aircraft. It rotates steadily, sweeping the airspace with a narrow beam.
Experimental radar antenna, US Naval Research Laboratory, Anacostia, D. C., from the late 1930s (photo taken in 1945)
The first workable unit built by Robert Watson-Watt and his team