Congress Sounds Alarm Over EMP ‘Blackout Warfare’ Threat From China, Russia

Congress Sounds Alarm Over EMP ‘Blackout Warfare’ Threat From China, Russia

Emmitt Barry,

 U.S. lawmakers are raising fresh concerns that China, Russia and other American adversaries could use electromagnetic pulse weapons to cripple the nation’s electrical grid and critical infrastructure, potentially plunging large portions of the country into darkness.

According to an exclusive report by The Washington Times, defense provisions moving through Congress reflect growing alarm over so-called “blackout warfare” — attacks using electromagnetic pulse, or EMP, weapons capable of disrupting power systems, communications, internet networks and potentially satellites.

Both the House and Senate have focused on electromagnetic and infrastructure vulnerabilities as lawmakers work through the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act. The House passed its version of the legislation in July, while the Senate Armed Services Committee advanced its version earlier this summer.

An EMP can be generated by a nuclear explosion at high altitude, producing electromagnetic energy capable of damaging electronic equipment across a vast region. Congressional research has warned that a high-altitude EMP could threaten the electrical grid and other systems that depend upon it, including communications, transportation and water infrastructure.

The threat takes on added significance because much of America’s military infrastructure ultimately depends on civilian power and communications networks. Defense planners have long warned that an adversary able to disable those systems without first defeating U.S. conventional forces could gain a powerful advantage at the opening of a major conflict.

The renewed attention in Congress suggests EMP preparedness is increasingly being treated not as a theoretical Cold War scenario, but as part of the emerging battlefield in which cyberattacks, electronic warfare and attacks on critical infrastructure could precede — or even replace — traditional military strikes.