Roke Unveils 'EM-Vis Deceive' A Portable Electronic Warfare Systems

In a significant move for modern battlefield technology, UK-based defence technology company Roke has officially launched EM-Vis Deceive, a portable and highly adaptable electronic warfare (EW) system. Designed to provide electromagnetic attack (EA) capabilities directly to troops on the frontlines, this innovative system can be carried like a backpack and deployed by soldiers with minimal training.

What is EM-Vis Deceive?

EM-Vis Deceive is the first fully integrated person-borne electronic warfare system built to modern modular open standards. It gives soldiers the ability to detect, track, and disrupt enemy communications, drones, and other electronic signals in real time. Its portable nature ensures that frontline units no longer have to rely solely on large, vehicle-based or fixed EW systems.

The system is developed in line with STICS (Systems, Technologies and Interoperable Communications Standards) — a suite of open standards designed to ensure flexibility, modularity, and interoperability among C5ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Combat Systems, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) and EW systems. This makes EM-Vis Deceive highly adaptable for various mission scenarios.

Why is it Important?

For decades, electronic warfare systems were often bulky, custom-built tools designed to counter very specific threats. These systems were costly, difficult to upgrade, and slow to integrate with new technologies. In today’s rapidly evolving combat environments — where threats like drones and advanced communication systems change faster than ever — this rigidity leaves troops at a serious disadvantage.

EM-Vis Deceive addresses this issue by being modular, software-upgradable, and interoperable with other defence systems. Software updates and technique patches can be quickly installed to counter new threats without the need for developing entirely new hardware.

Key Specifications and Features

• Portable, person-borne design: Carried like a backpack, making it ideal for mobile operations and quick deployments.

• Modular architecture: Supports multiple EW missions through swap-in/swap-out Software Defined Radios (SDRs).

• Software Defined Radios (SDRs): Enables rapid reconfiguration to jam or intercept a wide range of frequencies, from commercial drones to military communication systems.

• OpenCPI-generated applications and open APIs: Allows for the development of custom applications and easy integration with existing or new EW techniques.

• Interoperable with other CEMA and C5ISR systems: Can communicate seamlessly with other military assets on the battlefield.

• Scalable deployment: While designed for person-borne operations, it can also be mounted on vehicles or drones when required.

• Lightweight and rugged: Built for tough battlefield conditions while remaining light enough for single-operator use.

• Integrated support tools: Includes built-in spectrum monitoring, signal analysis, and electronic attack management software.

Responding to Modern Threats

An example of its importance is seen in modern conflicts like Ukraine, which faced over 18,000 drone attacks in a single year. Traditional EW systems would struggle to cope with such rapidly evolving threats. With EM-Vis Deceive, troops can quickly update their systems to handle new drone models or communication methods, greatly enhancing battlefield survivability and response speed.

Roke’s Expertise Behind the System

Roke has over 40 years of experience in Cyber and Electromagnetic Activity (CEMA), with a strong background in compact radio system development. EM-Vis Deceive benefits from this expertise, offering a small form factor EW system without compromising on capability. Its launch at AOC Europe 2025 in Rome marks a pivotal step for integrating advanced electronic warfare directly into frontline operations.

EM-Vis Deceive represents a game-changing shift in electronic warfare, bringing high-end electromagnetic attack capabilities directly to the soldiers who need them most. Its flexible, modular, and scalable design ensures it can keep pace with modern threats, providing frontline forces with the tools they need to detect, disrupt, and defeat electronic attacks in real time.