What is meant by Electronic Warfare (EW)?

Electronic Warfare (EW) refers to the strategic use of electromagnetic energy and its spectrum to disrupt, deceive, or inhibit the capabilities of enemy forces while protecting one's own combat capabilities. The correct choice emphasizes this broad scope, which includes both offensive measures to attack adversary systems and defensive measures to safeguard friendly assets from such attacks.

By utilizing various techniques such as jamming, electronic countermeasures, and electronic support measures, EW plays a crucial role in modern warfare. It not only protects forces from incoming threats but also enables a more effective attack on enemy infrastructures, such as communication and radar systems. This comprehensive understanding of EW positions it as a critical element of military strategy in the digital age.

The other choices focus on specific tactics or operations that fall under the broader umbrella of electronic warfare but do not encapsulate the full definition and application of EW as a whole. For example, intercepting enemy communications pertains to intelligence-gathering techniques, while training on digital warfare and deploying drones deals with specific operational capabilities rather than the overarching concept of manipulating the electromagnetic spectrum.