Belgium collaborates with United Kingdom on ‘electromagnetic warfare’
Belgium will get a centre for electromagnetic warfare support. The federal Council of Ministers gave the green light for this on Friday. Belgium is entering into a strategic partnership with the United Kingdom for the establishment and operationalisation of the Joint Electromagnetic Warfare Support Centre or JEWSC 2.0.
Electromagnetic warfare involves the use of electromagnetic communication, such as radio waves, infrared light or radar systems, and the disruption of that communication at the enemy’s side. “Those who do not have an advantage in this area are putting their people and their missions at risk,” stated Belgian defence Minister Theo Francken.
The Joint Electromagnetic Warfare Support Centre will support the ministry of defence in “four core tasks in cyberspace”, explains Francken: “protecting, defending, gathering information and intervening”. For example, the centre will reprogram data for weapon systems, support intelligence services and carry out surveillance and reconnaissance. Investments are also being made in education and training, specialised software for new weapon systems and the development of a test environment for anti-drone systems.
The Belgian ministry of defence is collaborating with the United Kingdom on the project. According to minister Francken, that country has a great deal of experience in the field of electromagnetic warfare. “By working together, we gain time, knowledge and effectiveness,” he declared.
The agreement in principle with the UK runs from 2026 to 2030 and involves a budget of 150 million euros.
The AOC Europe electronic warfare exhibition and conference event in England, in 2021 © PHOTO OLI SCARFF / AFP
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