The annual meeting of the Joint Electromagnetic Board (JEMB), a subcommittee under the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC), convened on 13 November 2024. The meeting was chaired by Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations). Senior officials from the three Services (Army, Navy, Air Force), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Department of Defence Production (DDP), and representatives from the defence industry participated in the event.
Key Agenda Items
The meeting focused on enhancing joint operations and integration in the following areas:
- Electronic Warfare (EW)
- Signature Management
- Emerging Technologies
- Electromagnetic Interference/Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMI/EMC)
- Spectrum Management
- Human Resource Management
Launch of the AI-Enabled e-Tarang System
A significant highlight of the meeting was the launch of the AI-enabled e-Tarang System. This system, developed in collaboration with the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N), offers:
- Automated and efficient planning of defence spectrum.
- Management support for technology development in higher frequency bands.
- Enhanced interference-free operation of defence equipment during both wartime and peacetime.
Release of the Technical News Letter (TNL) 2024
The Technical News Letter (TNL) 2024, published by JCES/HQ IDS, was unveiled at the event. This document highlights emerging technologies with the potential to transform modern warfare. Contributions to this publication were made by all three Services.
Objectives and Special Address
The meeting was aimed at achieving synergy in joint electronic warfare (EW) operations and developing a roadmap for enhancing Spectrum Warfare capabilities. Key points include:
- Identification of technology development priorities.
- Focus on training requirements.
Air Marshal Mishra, in his Special Address, stressed the importance of integrating EW assets across the Services. He also commended the successful execution of the first joint EW exercise held in September 2024, which reinforced the principle of “Victory through Jointness.”
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. Who chaired the annual meeting of the Joint Electromagnetic Board (JEMB) 2024?
A. Air Chief Marshal Vivek Prasad
B. Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra
C. Admiral Rajesh Gupta
D. General Arjun Singh
Answer: B. Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra
2. What was the key highlight launched during the JEMB meeting?
A. Spectrum Warfare Roadmap
B. e-Tarang System
C. Defence Cyber Network
D. Technical News Letter 2024
Answer: B. e-Tarang System
3. Which organization collaborated with BISAG-N to develop the e-Tarang System?
A. DRDO
B. JCES/HQ IDS
C. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
D. Department of Defence Production (DDP)
Answer: A. DRDO
4. What was the primary aim of the JEMB annual meeting?
A. To launch the Technical News Letter
B. To establish joint EW operational synergy
C. To conduct military drills
D. To develop a new communication satellite
Answer: B. To establish joint EW operational synergy
5. When was the first joint EW exercise held?
A. August 2023
B. September 2024
C. November 2024
D. January 2024
Answer: B. September 2024