Zap Zap! It’s Electronic Warfare Fighters!

The Electronic Warfare Fighter (EWF) Unit Card echoes the capabilities of the EA-18G Growler. Probably to the dismay of my Growler homies, the EWF doesn't have a ton of kinetic capabilities. In fact, because of how simplified the special capabilities are in the game, it doesn't have any!

🎯 Chaff & Flare: “Not Today, SAM”

It does have the Chaff & Flare special capability -- inspired by the mandatory air war nerd reading, "Electronic Warfare Fundamentals" depiction of "Area Saturation" (image 13-11), this capability turns a detected aircraft back to undetected. This special ability is limited in how many times it can be used; it's physically ejecting a thing from the airplane, after all.

Ah, the EA-6B.... Prowlin' around... just look at it. Prowlin.

📡 Space Jam -- Alright, Alright!

The EWF's Jamming special capability is not limited by tokens. With no upgrades, it gets 1x Jamming die. For any friendly Aircraft within the EWF's Range, subtract dice roll from enemy’s attack roll. This is a pretty incredible defense, especially if you invest an Upgrade card into the EWF. Your aircraft will all be thanking the EWF with a 3 Range, 2d6 mitigating roll against any inbound missile! OP! Unfair! Just the way we like it, haha.

💡 House Rules for the EWF?

Some house rules I'd bring in if this card weren't *just* complicated enough:

• 1x HARM Missile Token; this should be an option instead of Jamming in response to SAMs. I'd have it roll 3d6 with the idea that it should be extra precise against legacy systems, and should be good against modern SAMs. It's not a 2000lb JDAM, but it should be effective for its precision.

• 1x Air-to-Air Missile Token; they are fighters after all, let them defend themselves! Jeez!

Make it your own! There's a blank page in the back of the ROE -- if you happened to have access to secure locations, feel free to modify how the unit cards interact to make them more closely align with your desired learning objectives! Just don't forget to properly classify and protect whatever nonsense you add to the game!

⚡ Final Thoughts

For those interested in a video version of Electronic Warfare Fundamentals, I think Covert Cabal has a great summary. Understanding that stuff is so important!

For the EWF, if you can draft this card, don't pass it up! My aircraft are always thankful to have a little EWF magic flying by their side.

- Ric