Mitigating EMP, HEMP, and GMS Threats to Critical Infrastructure

Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) events, especially those from high-altitude nuclear explosions (HEMP), and Geomagnetic Storms (GMS) triggered by Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) from the sun, pose significant risks to critical infrastructure. These phenomena can induce severe electrical currents and voltages, causing widespread disruption to electronics and power systems over extensive areas, potentially crippling modern society's essential services. The vulnerability of power grids, communication networks, and other critical systems necessitates advanced protective measures to maintain operational integrity during and after such events.

HEMP events can generate powerful electromagnetic fields that impact conductive materials, leading to severe damage in unprotected systems. For instance, a nuclear detonation at an altitude of 100 kilometers can affect approximately 1.5 million square miles, damaging critical infrastructure within this zone. Similarly, GMS events can induce geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) that overwhelm power grid transformers, especially in high-latitude regions, causing cascading failures across interconnected infrastructures.

To address these threats, our EMP Engineering team provides specialized services in the design, fabrication, and installation of EMP and GMS mitigation solutions. Our capabilities include the development of HEMP-hardened enclosures, customized shielding for vital infrastructure, and advanced point-of-entry (POE) protections, all adhering to stringent standards like MIL-STD-188-125 to ensure resilience against electromagnetic disturbances.

RISK ASSESSMENT

Our comprehensive approach begins with a client-specific risk assessment and criticality analysis, tailoring solutions to the unique operational environment and threat profile of each facility. This process evaluates the electromagnetic threat landscape, incorporating factors such as location, asset nature, and exposure levels, to inform the design of robust shielding solutions that integrate with existing architectural, structural, electrical, and mechanical systems.

We employ high-performance power and signal filters that meet military specifications, designed to block harmful EMP-induced currents from entering protected systems. Our partner manufactured portable HEMP-resistant enclosures, available in various ISO-certified sizes, provide flexible protection for critical assets such as data centers, communications hubs, and command facilities. These enclosures can be enhanced with ballistic and blast protection, as well as CBRE (chemical, biological, radiological, explosive) air filtration systems, offering multi-layered defense against diverse threats.

Ensuring long-term protection, we implement ongoing hardness assurance, maintenance, and surveillance programs. These initiatives include regular testing and evaluation to verify the effectiveness of shielding measures, maintaining compliance with performance standards over time. We also document the HEMP configuration baseline, detailing the physical characteristics and performance metrics of all protective systems and components.

Recognizing the complex interdependencies among critical infrastructures, our designs aim for "complete stand-alone" operational capability during EMP or GMS events. By isolating critical systems from external disruptions and integrating robust protective measures, we mitigate the risk of cascading failures across interconnected infrastructures. This approach ensures the continuity of essential services, including power, water, and communication, even under extreme electromagnetic threat conditions.

At Aegis Fortified Estates and our affiliate engineering firms, we are committed to providing cutting-edge solutions that protect against the evolving electromagnetic threat landscape. Our comprehensive suite of services ensures the resilience and operational continuity of critical infrastructures, tailored to the specific needs and challenges of each client.