UKRAINE: 3 QUESTIONS - 3 ANSWERS, PART 26: Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse?

04/22/2022By Redaktion

Bundesheer Fragen Interview Jürgen Schlechter

Around the war in Ukraine, the use of nuclear weapons is feared. If a nuclear bomb detonates in the air, a so-called "Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse" is generated, which can lead to extensive destruction of electronic systems.

Colonel Jürgen Schlechter is the head of the Bundesheer's ABC defense center, which deals with atomic, biological, and chemical threats. He explains how such a pulse could impact.

What the Bundesheer Expert Says:

What is a Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse and how is it created?

A Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse (NEMP) is a high-energy charge field that arises as a result of a nuclear detonation near the ground, but primarily at high altitudes. An NEMP is characterized by its particularly steep rate of rise and broadband nature, because it reaches 90 percent of its maximum value after just four nanoseconds, so that conventional surge protectors cannot respond in time.

At high detonation values at high altitudes, this can lead to a blackout that can reach continental dimensions. An exact prediction of the effects is hardly possible, which is why an attacker must also expect damage on their territory and among their forces. An electromagnetic pulse can also occur naturally, for example as a result of lightning discharges and geomagnetic storms. Weapons optimized for their effect on an electromagnetic pulse with minimal other harmful effects are also referred to as E-bombs or EMP bombs.

How does a Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse work?

Electromagnetic pulses can destroy electrical and especially electronic components within their range. This means that all electronically supported machines, from airplanes to pacemakers, will be disabled or destroyed. The pulse endangers all central systems of communication facilities, banks, broadcasting, emergency services, hospitals, energy suppliers, and in transportation – nothing will work anymore, resulting in a blackout.

Can one protect against a Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse?

Protection against an NEMP is possible by encapsulating systems and devices in a Faraday cage and by implementing appropriate protection circuits (galvanic isolation, special surge protectors) on all electrical leads. Protection against an NEMP is also referred to as NEMP hardening.

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