Electronic countermeasures (ECM) provide a crucial capability for UK Military and Security users, protecting the lives of our service personnel, emergency services and the public using Radio Frequency (RF) techniques to counter improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
An IED is an explosive device fabricated in an improvised manner, but with varying degrees of professionalism. An IED typically comprises of the following component types:
- a power source
- wires
- electronic circuitry
- an explosive initiator
- an explosives charge
- a trigger mechanism
The trigger mechanisms used to initiate the IED are often adapted from commercial products; examples could include modified radio-controlled toys or the use of communication networks. These radio links that use RF, and associated components, are considered the primary objective for this call. Other initiation methods could include command wires, timers and victim-operated mechanisms; if these initiation methods can be mitigated through the use of the RF techniques they will also be considered.
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Source: GOV.UK