Signal suppression possible? How the USS Abraham Lincoln could blind Iranian air defences before missiles are launched

Modern warfare begins with an invisible strike using electromagnetic energy rather than explosives. US Navy aircraft flood enemy radar frequencies with "white noise," effectively blinding the operators on the ground before they can detect incoming threats.

The EA-18G Growler is the backbone of this electronic attack, carrying powerful AN/ALQ-99 jamming pods. These pods blast jamming signals that overpower the return signal needed by Iranian radar to track a target, creating a "blackout" on their screens.

Before jamming begins, the F-35C uses its passive sensors to "listen" for enemy radar emissions without revealing its own location. It maps the exact location and frequency of active air defence sites, sending this data instantly to the Growlers to target them.

Sophisticated electronic warfare doesn't just block signals; it can also deceive them using "spoofing" techniques. US systems can trick enemy radars into seeing dozens of false targets ("ghosts"), forcing them to waste ammunition on empty air or hesitate at a critical moment.

Iranian air defences rely on a network where radar stations talk to missile batteries to coordinate fire. The USS Abraham Lincoln’s air wing targets these communication links, isolating missile batteries so they cannot receive firing orders.

Iran’s formidable S-300 and Bavar-373 systems are powerful but rely on specific radar frequencies to guide their missiles. By concentrating jamming power on these specific bands, US forces can prevent the systems from achieving a "weapons grade" lock on aircraft.

Iran’s formidable S-300 and Bavar-373 systems are powerful but rely on specific radar frequencies to guide their missiles. By concentrating jamming power on these specific bands, US forces can prevent the systems from achieving a "weapons grade" lock on aircraft.