US Electronic Warfare: Growler Jets Disabled Venezuelan Radar in Maduro Operation

US, Dec 07 : The United States’ electronic warfare aircraft known as EA‑18G Growlers played a central role in disabling Venezuela’s air‑defence network during the military operation that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, media reports say.
The Statesman

Unlike traditional combat jets, the Growler is designed not to drop bombs but to dominate the electromagnetic spectrum by jamming enemy radars and communications. During the operation, the aircraft formed part of a large US air armada that suppressed Venezuelan radar coverage and interfered with command links, allowing special‑operations aircraft to enter and exit Venezuelan airspace rapidly and with reduced detection risk.
mint

With over 150 US aircraft involved in the mission including fighters, bombers, and drones the Growler’s role stood out because it attacked signals rather than ground targets. Its jamming pods detect enemy radar emissions, analyse them in real time and broadcast tailored interference, flooding radar screens with false or confusing data so that real aircraft can evade detection and tracking.
Lokmat Times

The EA‑18G is based on Boeing’s F/A‑18F Super Hornet and has become the core of the US airborne electronic‑warfare fleet, replacing older platforms. In the Venezuela operation, the Growlers exploited vulnerabilities in the country’s ageing air defence systems many of which were Soviet‑ or Chinese made effectively “blinding” radar networks and enabling the strike force to proceed with minimal aerial resistance.
mint

Experts say the mission demonstrated how electronic warfare has regained prominence in modern military strategy after years of relative neglect, especially as air‑defence networks become critical obstacles in high‑stakes operations. Although such jamming tactics may be less effective against technologically advanced systems fielded by near‑peer adversaries, they remain a powerful force multiplier in conflicts where adversary radar networks are older or less sophisticated.