Targeting a Satellite

Electronic Warfare and International Humanitarian Law

Abstract

Satellite signal interference is a core component of electronic warfare. It has become a daily phenomenon in today's conflict zones, considering that most military systems are electric and thereby potential targets of electronic warfare. However, electronic warfare is rather indiscriminate. Its effects are often felt by civilians in third countries, with increasing risks to civil aviation, navigation, telecommunications and humanitarian operations. International humanitarian law sets several requirements for targeting during electronic warfare operations. Yet many legal ambiguities remain, hampering not only the full protection afforded under international humanitarian law but also blurring the threshold of armed conflict. In today's context of erosion of international humanitarian law, there is a pressing need to co-operate on a wide front and inclusively, in order to strengthen and clarify norms on electronic warfare and, thereby, acceptable space behaviors.