Mon Sep 09 16:11:13 UTC 2024: ## US Must Prioritize Electronic Warfare to Counter China’s Growing Threat

**Washington, D.C.** – The looming threat of a potential conflict with China requires a renewed focus on electronic warfare (EW), a critical but often overlooked component of modern military strategy, according to experts.

While the economic rivalry between the US and China is well-documented, the potential for a military clash, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, demands urgent attention to EW capabilities, argues Steven Glinert, founder and CEO of semiconductor startup Sphere Semi.

Glinert paints a chilling scenario: a 2029 blockade of Taiwan, where China employs overwhelming electronic warfare tactics to blind and cripple the US Navy, effectively rendering them powerless to intervene.

“The Chinese see EW as a means to deter the US and achieve their goals without firing a shot,” explains Glinert. “They envision a ‘Pearl Harbor’ of electronic attacks that would cripple our communication and sensor systems, leaving our forces vulnerable and demoralized.”

The US, traditionally a leader in EW, faces a growing challenge from China, which has invested heavily in developing advanced EW capabilities. The Ukraine war has tragically demonstrated the devastating impact of EW, with Russian forces effectively jamming Ukrainian communications and disrupting their use of precision weaponry.

Glinert calls for a strategic shift in the US approach to EW, prioritizing:

* **A flexible and domestic supply chain for electronic components, especially chips.** The reliance on foreign suppliers puts the US at a disadvantage in a potential conflict.
* **Increased investment in AI and software-driven EW systems.** This would allow for rapid adaptation and countermeasures against China’s sophisticated EW capabilities.
* **A long-term focus on autonomous systems, reducing reliance on vulnerable communication networks.**

The shift towards AI-powered EW systems would require a departure from traditional procurement practices, according to Glinert. Instead of relying solely on large defense contractors, the government should actively engage with startups and tech companies, who are at the forefront of AI development.

“We need to leverage our strengths in innovation and agility to counter China’s growing military threat,” urges Glinert. “The future of warfare is increasingly reliant on information and data, and mastering the electromagnetic spectrum will be crucial for maintaining US dominance.”

The US must recognize the critical role of EW in the evolving security landscape and take decisive action to strengthen its capabilities, ensuring that it is prepared to meet the challenges of a new era of warfare.

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