A military warning is the ability detect, judge, and perceive the possibility of hostile action. Often this is done through observation of a region and its activities, but it may also involve the use of a large number of sensors, like radio, telemetry, radar, radar-based fire control systems, and chemical, thermal, and nuclear detection devices.
For military warning, there are many sensors available. However, their outputs (or products) are complex and numerous. These include telescopes, cameras, heat-sensing devices, low-light-level devices, radar, acoustic, seismic, and nuclear detection devices, as well as computers that condense and summarize the data.
Traditional military warnings were conducted using ground-based radars and similar detection devices. The advent of airborne warning systems for hostile activity detection has made ground-based detection obsolete.
Airborne radars with early warning are most commonly used for tracking and locating aircraft. Over the years, technology has advanced significantly in these radars.
Modern airborne radars can be configured to track a variety of targets, from aircraft to ground-based missiles and even ships. They can provide high accuracy and resolution along with extended line of sight to the horizon.
In addition to a wide range of radars, today's military warning system is also based on a sophisticated network of communication and information-processing equipment that allows for a seamless exchange of data from the sensor to the decision maker. This is a critical component of any military warning system, since it gives the commander the time to make decisions and take appropriate actions.
Command and control systems are another component of a military warning system that can be used to help a team coordinate their efforts during a conflict. A system must be able quickly to disseminate information on potential dangers to personnel or other assets such as ammunition or fuel depots.
A warning system can be either short-term, strategic, or tactical. Short-term warnings are when hostilities are perceived and action taken immediately. A strategic warning is when the threat of attack is perceived and an action plan is put in place to counter it.
The DEW Line was created in 1954 to detect Soviet bombers with nuclear weapons flying over the North Pole. It has been the most effective early warning system and the most influential. To detect Soviet bombers travelling towards the United States, the DEW Line employs a number of stations. These include stations in Alaska and Canada.
This system was a crucial factor in the avoiding Soviet attacks during the Cold War. It ensured that American military planners received eight minutes notice before the Soviets launched nuclear-missile strikes against the United States. This allowed plans to be made to evacuate and prevent nuclear strikes from happening.