Non-nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse Threat of Critical Infrastructures and Protection Strategies

Abstract

Major infrastructures are vital for the modernization and operation of a country and the safety of major infrastructures is crucial for national security. In recent years, the generation technology of non-nuclear electromagnetic pulse (EMP) sources has gradually matured and develops to be universal and concealed. Therefore, the non-nuclear EMP has become a realistic threat for major infrastructures. Ensuring the electromagnetic safety of major infrastructures is an urgent strategic task for China. This study takes the non-nuclear EMP threat of major infrastructures as the research object, clarifies the basic concepts of and major demands for EMP protection for major infrastructures, and analyzes the measures taken by developed countries in this field from the aspects of national policies, industrial standards, fundamental research, and emergency management. In addition, the key technologies for efficient nonnuclear EMP protection are discussed, focusing on forward design, equivalent test and evaluation, and threat monitoring and prediction. Moreover, this study analyzes the current status and existing problems regarding non-nuclear EMP protection of major infrastructures in China and proposes several fundamental strategies including strengthening government leadership, promoting scientific research, formulating standards and guidance, stimulating the vitality of enterprises, conducting classified and staged implementation, boosting talent cultivation, and promoting public training. This study can provide a basic reference for the nonnuclear EMP protection of major infrastructures and further support China to handle new threats.

Keywords

• critical infrastructure
• electromagnetic pulse
• graded protection
• emergency response
• electromagnetic protection