High power microwaves - measures and countermeasures

The technological development within the area of High Power Microwaves (HPM) has made it possible to produce more and more powerful microwave sources for large operational installations, but at the same time made it possible to generate relatively strong fields with compact systems that can be contained in a briefcase or the like. Therefore, the potential threat from HPM has increased significantly. Unprotected electronic components can be damaged at distances up to tens of kilometers, and possible disturbances with fatal consequences are considered realistic in operational scenarios, including critical elements of civilian infrastructure, where the possibility of sabotage and terrorism is a serious concern. In particular, IT-systems exposed to HPM are at great risk, and unprotected systems located inside buildings, shelters etc. can be disturbed or damaged by HPM from rather compact and simple devices. Potential attacks with current and generally available radio frequency weapon technology must be taken into account in any scenario where malfunction of electronic systems could have fatal consequences. On the other hand, radio frequency weapons belong to the more general class of non-lethal weapons that can be used to eliminate hostile capabilities with a minimum of casualties and collateral damages. This paper addresses a range of relevant issues related to the use of HPM as a terror weapon as well as a weapon against terrorism.