Electromagnetic energy weapons in the hands of non-state actors: Science fiction or a realistic threat

Electromagnetic pulse (EMP) is a short but intense shock wave that can take out electronic systems that are based on semiconductor components. After the Cold War less emphasis was placed on hardening electronic devices from EMP attacks making majority of critical electronic systems vulnerable to EMP and other radio frequency (RF) and high power microwaves (HPM). States are increasingly looking to HPM weapons for future warfare since they would be able to take out the enemy's command and control (C2) and weapon systems. The feasibility and vulnerability to such attacks has been explored in the open source literature but less emphasis has been placed on the role of non-state actors and their capability to acquire these weapons. In fact non-state actors have used low-tech HPM devices for monetary gain and to gain access to secure areas. Information on how to build transient electromagnetic devices (TED) and HPM is readily available on the Internet and it is possible to build an effective device without much costs. Governments need to take measures to harden their critical infrastructures because it is only a matter of time before a non-state actors conducts a disruptive attack using HPM or TED.